Well folks, it finally happened.

Sony announced yesterday that all PlayStation games released from January 2028 onwards will be available only as digital downloads; physical disc production will end.

This, unsurprisingly, has rubbed everyone the wrong way. Including more than 6000 angry gamers in the comments section of the PlayStation Blog post that announced the change, as well as on the brand’s various social media pages.

Sony has also been mocked by the likes of Domino’s Pizza. We are even seeing gamers dig up a satirical video made by Sony teaching gamers how to share and resell their games made in 2013 after Microsoft famously tried to implement a system that locked discs to individual users’ Xbox consoles.

We don’t blame them. This decision – which, according to Sony, has been made to “adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs” – is without doubt detrimental not only to gamers, but also to cinephiles who value the 4K Blu-ray format.

I’m willing to bet that the PS5 is the best-selling 4K Blu-ray player on the market currently, and that’s mostly because competition isn’t exactly fierce.

Sony and Panasonic are the only mainstream manufacturers offering 4K disc players at the moment – and, one incredibly minor refresh last year from Sony apart, neither has put out a truly new 4K player in years.

While I’m not betting the house on every PS5 owner tapping into the high-resolution disc format for their films and TV shows, the PS5 has felt like a lifeline for the format for quite some time.

The multipurpose nature of its ability to play games and movie discs has really added to its appeal in the world of home cinema, even if it’s missing some AV-focused features such as Dolby Vision HDR support.

But with this change, I think it’s safe to assume that the next-generation PlayStation console will be a digital-only affair.

Sony soft-launched that concept with the PS5 Pro, when it offered the console only without the disc drive, and required customers to purchase a drive separately as an accessory.

It now seems that the company was laying the foundation for this recent announcement – and we fear that the PS6, which is expected to launch next year, could forgo the optional disc drive entirely.

While this will be a crushing blow to 4K Blu-ray fans such as myself – need I remind everyone that physical PS5 game releases come on 4K Blu-ray discs too – this is also a huge blow to consumers in general.

You can forget lending a game to your friend, or selling it on when you have finished playing it. Likewise, those who prefer to buy games on the second-hand market to save money (gaming isn’t a cheap hobby after all) will be out of luck from 2028 onwards.

Historically, Sony has come under scrutiny for the pricing of games on the PlayStation Store. It has even faced lawsuits for allegedly charging gamers unfair digital fees.

This announcement is especially galling after the recent news that, in September, more than 550 films and TV shows will be removed not only from the PlayStation Store, but also from the libraries of people who bought them.

This is due to a licensing agreement between Sony and Studio Canal ending – and it appears as though refunds will not be issued.

This is where my biggest issue lies. I tend to buy my PS5 games on disc for this very reason; so that I own them outright, and they can’t be taken away from me at a moment’s notice and with no compensation.

From 2028, I won’t have that option, and that certainly doesn’t sit well with me. As someone who is constantly vouching for physical media – especially 4K Blu-ray – I’m really discouraged by Sony’s choice. It certainly means that I won’t be rushing out to buy a PlayStation 6 in the same way I did with the PS5.

Overall, this announcement feels more like a punch to the gut for consumers, and I’m not buying Sony’s reasoning.

If it really wants to “drive innovation in how players can access games and provide choices as to where players prefer to purchase new games”, I would suggest it changes its viewpoint on physical media.

MORE:

Read our full Sony PlayStation 5 review

Check out our picks for the best 4K Blu-ray players

Which is the best 4K Blu-ray player, PS5 or Xbox Series X?

Sony has dealt a critical blow to physical media with its latest PlayStation announcement.

Starting in 2028, Sony will end physical disc production for PlayStation games, meaning you will be able to access future titles only digitally. Sony confirms that retailers will carry digital download codes for games from 2028 onwards, with the PlayStation Store as the most convenient place for gamers to access new titles in two years.

The Japanese AV and gaming goliath confirms that this change will affect only new titles, and that “this transition has no impact on games that already released, or will be releasing, prior to January 2028 in disc format”.

This news follows the announcement that Grand Theft Auto VI, which is expected to be one of the biggest video game launches of all time, will be available only in digital formats on PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

The reasoning behind this monumental change, given by Sony, is that it simply follows consumers’ wants and needs. The company had this to say in a PlayStation Blog post made yesterday:

“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends, as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.”

While Sony claims that this decision has been made with consumer interests in mind, the general reaction to the news has been less than positive from gamers. At the time of writing, there were 6256 comments on Sony’s blog post, and the consensus is overwhelmingly negative.

Comments on the blog post from PlayStation users include: “Do not like this, I’ve always preferred physical to digital”, “Shame on you Sony”, “Revert this decision right now”, and “We literally own nothing now but licenses; this is a horrible decision, Sony”.

This also comes in the wake of a digital-media fiasco made by PlayStation a mere three days ago. The company announced that, due to a content licensing agreement with Studio Canal, users will lose access to more than 500 films and TV shows that they have bought from the PlayStation Store here in the UK.

If that’s not already concerning enough, Sony confirmed that the affected content will be removed from users’ video library with no mention of refunds or compensation. This makes Sony’s announcement to ditch physical game releases even more troublesome.

It has been made clear time and time again that access to digital media can be revoked in a heartbeat, so seeing physical media being phased out is leaving gamers feeling understandably insecure.

While it is currently far too early to speculate, it’s presumed that Sony will lift the lid on the PlayStation 6 next year, just in time for this new digital revolution.

Therefore, it’s not out of the question to assume that the PS6 will be a digital-only console, which could deal a critical blow to the 4K Blu-ray format.

MORE:

Read our full Sony PlayStation 5 review

Check out our picks for the best 4K Blu-ray players

Which is the best 4K Blu-ray player, PS5 or Xbox Series X?

We've waited 13 agonising years for GTA VI to finally hit consoles.

After what's felt like a never-ending onslaught of leaks, delays, and speculation, we're officially less than six months away from what could be the biggest gaming launch in history.

While securing a copy is top priority – pre-orders start at midnight tonight – I'm taking the release of this hotly anticipated title as an excuse to level up my gaming setup, and what better time to do it than during Amazon Prime Day?

I've found the ideal gaming TV, a soundbar system that will put you in the centre of the action, and a console that should not only be powerful enough to handle GTA VI but also ensure that the high-resolution, neon-adorned streets of Vice City shine in glorious 4K.

Regarding the console, I recommend the Sony PS5 Pro. We haven't reviewed it yet, but its dedicated upscaling feature leads us to believe that it will offer extra headroom for the expected demanding graphical requirements of GTA VI.

As someone who has gamed on a PS5 since launch (including the superb GTA V remaster), and has also been eyeing up a PS5 Pro since Sony unveiled it back in 2024, seeing it drop in price this close to GTA VI's official pre-order date simply feels like the fates aligning.

As for the TV, I felt as though the LG C5 was a no-brainer. It's our current Award-winner in various categories, including "best gaming TV", and the 55-inch (which is the size we reviewed first and can thoroughly recommend) is currently £1000 off – that's a mind-blowing saving.

It sports four full bandwidth HDMI sockets that support up to 4K/144Hz (or 4K/120Hz with the PS5 Pro), and LG's Game Dashboard feature will be the perfect sidekick during your car chases and shootouts this November.

Finally, the Samsung HW-Q990F (another Award-winner, no less) is also enjoying an unbelievable discount of just over £1000. With Dolby Atmos on board (which the PS5 Pro supports for gaming now), it's bound to get you immersed in GTA VI's sprawling city, especially with planes and helicopters soaring overhead.

And with another HDMI 2.1 socket on board (bringing the total of this system to five), we could even bestow it with the title of "best gaming soundbar".

However, what makes it truly stand out is the incredible subwoofer, which should add some serious low-end punch to gunshots, explosions and car engines.

All of the components listed here work in tandem to also deliver a superb home cinema experience, meaning movies, TV shows and music will also benefit from this do-it-all system too.

And with Prime Day in full swing, you can expect to save a staggering £2080 in total; what's not to like?

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Find the best Amazon Prime Day home cinema deals here

Check out our picks for the best gaming TVs

As well as the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

Welcome to Game Mode, our new hub for home cinema enthusiasts and hi-fi fanatics who also strive for picture and sound perfection for their video games.

We've been discussing the benefits of HDMI 2.1, trying out the latency on the top premium projectors, and dabbling in Dolby Atmos gaming for quite some time, so it only feels natural to dig a bit deeper and scout out the best products, settings and tips to help your games look and sound incredible on your home cinema set-up.

We're kicking things off with a premium pair of gaming headphones. Meet the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite.

At £600 / $600 / AU$1349, it's hard to deny that these headphones are anything but super premium. For reference, they cost more than the Apple AirPods Max 2 and Sony 1000X The Collexion, and they're only marginally cheaper than Bowers & Wilkins' PX8 S2 premium noise-cancelling cans.

So, do these headphones justify that high asking price? I've been putting them through their paces with some seriously intense gaming sessions over the last couple of months to put them to the test – these are just the sacrifices I make...

Game changing sound...

These headphones tick a lot of boxes for me. For reference, I've been using the Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset since 2020, so these premium cans were quite the departure.

To contextualise, that's sort of like upgrading from a Volkswagen Golf to a Rolls-Royce.

Everything feels more premium, from the luxurious aluminium yokes to the memory foam ear cushions covered in a smooth vegan leather-style material; comfort is an immediate A+.

SteelSeries also justifies that sky-high price tag with an extensive list of features, including a 40mm driver, made from a two-piece design that features a carbon fibre drive unit with a brass surround in each earcup.

The headset also supports an extensive list of spatial sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS. SteelSeries claims that they're the first gaming headphones on the market to support Hi-Res and Hi-Res Wireless audio, with support for signals up to 96kHz/24bit.

The headphones themselves are only half the magic, as SteelSeries also includes a rather impressive wireless receiver called the GameHub in the box.

Outfitted with a small OLED display, it can show detailed audio signal information, adjust settings, and it even has a spot to charge a spare battery, meaning your headset is essentially never out of charge – I don't mean to be dramatic, but I don't know how I ever lived without this feature.

There's also a feature called OmniPlay, which allows you to physically connect up to three consoles (or two consoles and a gaming PC) at one time, plus a smartphone or handheld system via Bluetooth.

I also can't forget to mention the Arctis app, which unlocks a huge array of game-specific EQ settings that have been created by SteelSeries' team of sound engineers in tandem with developers and pro-level gamers.

It's worth mentioning that this is my first time using a gaming headset with active noise cancelling (ANC), too. I wouldn't call it game-changing for day-to-day use, but I do see the appeal for those who like to "lock in" with absolutely no distractions.

However, what you're really here to find out is if these headphones justify their price tag when it comes to sound quality. After playing a whole host of titles, including (but not limited to) Grand Theft Auto V, Marathon, Battlefield 6, Rainbow Six: Siege and Forza Horizon 6, I think they're really quite impressive.

With large-scale action games such as Battlefield 6, the Arctis Nova Elite sounded hugely spacious and placed me right in the centre of the action, and yet they remained impressively precise when needed for competitive Marathon matches.

The engines of muscle cars in Grand Theft Auto V growled with an extra layer of texture and low-end rumble, while spent bullet casings clinked upon the ground with a pleasing sparkle in Rainbow Six: Siege.

So far, so good. However, it's not all perfect.

During a session of Forza Horizon 6, it felt as though the headphones leaned towards a fairly zingy and bright presentation. In our experience, gaming headsets tend to be tuned this way on purpose, so it's not necessarily an issue that's exclusive to the Arctis Nova Elite.

In some ways, it can be useful, as the pronounced treble does a great job of drawing your ear to subtle sounds. A key example is being able to hear far-off gunshots and nearby footsteps in Marathon; in this regard, the Nova Elite has truly helped me improve my situational awareness, and I'm willing to bet that it's helped me come out on top during several intense firefights.

However, the audiophile purist in me does make me wish that they were tuned slightly more neutral at times, as cinematic single-player games can sound somewhat flavoured.

I also found that a lot of the top-end features require you to hook these cans up to a PC. As someone who does practically all of their gaming on a PS5, it was a shame that I couldn't squeeze all the features out of this pricey pair of headphones. However, to cut SteelSeries some slack here, that's more of an issue with the PS5 than anything else.

Should you buy them?

These aren't your traditional hi-fi headphones, and they're certainly not an investment you should take lightly, but I do think that these are ultimately a rather impressive pair of gaming-focused headphones.

With a bucket-load of features, a high-quality and comfortable build, and crisp, detailed and spacious sound, it's hard to pick faults. The hot-swappable battery is a genuine game-changer, too.

That being said, those who prefer a more neutral sound may prefer something a little bit more traditional. Plugging in a pair of the best headphones directly into your controller will likely yield a more authentic sound; however, that involves being tethered by a cable.

It's also worth noting that SteelSeries has recently launched a step-down model in the form of the Arctis Nova Omni, which appears to share many features with the Elite at a lower (but still considerably premium) price tag.

But if you are a serious gamer who takes competitive matches seriously, or you want a pair of headphones that don't compromise on the features front, then the Arctis Nova Elite are a mighty fine option.

MORE:

Read our full Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset review

As well as our picks for the best gaming TVs

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: which console is right for you?

Ok, I'll admit it, I'm usually a bit of a sucker when it comes to buying new video game consoles.

I'll stand my ground for a couple of months, maybe a year or two if I'm feeling particularly stubborn. But after seeing the latest games available with shiny new graphics – not to mention some, ahem, *gentle* encouragement from friends, I'll usually cave and purchase the latest offering from the world of gaming.

So when Nintendo finally announced a sequel to the Switch, the second-highest-selling console of all time, this seemed right up my street. Nintendo is a brand I have a high amount of childhood nostalgia for, and for the first time, all of their iconic series would be playable in 4K HDR – starting with Mario Kart, no less, which hadn't had a fully-fledged sequel in over a decade.

So why am I holding out on the Switch 2, even though the price has been confirmed to rise in the future? Well, it's partly Nintendo's fault.

Ever since the Japanese gaming giant launched the revolutionary but underpowered Nintendo Wii, the latest in audio-visual technology has never been their main concern. The original Switch was a fine console, but it capped out at 1080p HD at a time when its rivals were making the move to 4K.

So it was a nice surprise when Nintendo announced the Switch OLED, an updated model with the premium panel technology available in handheld mode. As someone who already owned the original Switch, I initially felt little reason to pay full price once again just for a screen upgrade, but it seemed like a shrewd move from Nintendo.

But then I saw it in action. Catching my eye by chance at a family Christmas, I was immediately drawn in by the vivid colours, sharp contrast and overall premium look of the new OLED screen. Every time I went back to play my regular Switch, the LCD screen couldn't help but look dull, washed out and a tad lifeless.

So I took the OLED plunge – and never looked back. Despite the Switch's technological limitations, games always looked slick, bright and punchy. It was often preferable to playing on my much bigger, but admittedly non-OLED TV, even if handheld mode was capped to 720p.

When the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 was announced, however, Nintendo surprised some by making big strides in terms of power and performance. Resolution was bumped up to 4K in docked mode and 1080p in handheld, with support for HDR and 120 fps support in both. But there was one notable downgrade – the handheld screen was LCD, likely in a bid to keep costs down.

And during a recent gaming session with a friend, I was finally able to compare the two screens side by side. What was immediately noticeable was that the Switch 2's screen was notably bigger – 7.9 inches compared to my Switch OLED's 7 inches, making the OLED model look rather diminutive. The swathe of other improvements – 1080p resolution, VRR and HDR10 support – also played their part, with Switch 2 games in particular looking incredibly detailed, smooth and crisp.

But, especially when playing two Switch 1 games side by side – the majority of the library at this point – there was a slight lack of pop on the Switch 2. When it came to contrast and colour, the self-emitting pixels of the Switch OLED won out, with colours jumping off the screen and no backlight leaking brightness into black scenes. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I preferred my Switch OLED – it felt like more of an immersive experience, rather than just looking at a screen.

As with most consoles, the Switch 2 will eventually get a mid-generation refresh, most likely with an OLED screen (or maybe a rival format like RGB Mini LED). Perhaps then I'll finally make the switch – but for now, it's a dim prospect.

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PS5 vs Xbox Series X: which is better for movies as well as games?

Sony has announced the latest additions to its InZone gaming audio lineup, and it includes a new pair of over-ear headphones that borrow some key components from another pair of audiophile-focused headphones from the brand.

The InZone H6, unlike many gaming headphones on the market today, feature an open back design with perforations in the housing to "minimise internal reflections". This should accommodate a wider and more accurate soundfield that better represents the creator's intent, with an overall boost to immersion and authenticity to your game's audio.

This headset features an aluminium design weighing 199g, and the headband features a spring hinge design which allows for a compact size without compromising comfort.

However, it's what's inside this headset that excites us most, as the drivers are derived from another pair of open-back headphones from Sony's roster. Inside the earcups of the H6 Air, you'll find the same driver technology from the MDR-MV1 studio reference headphones, which have been slightly adapted to better accommodate gaming use.

We complimented these headphones in our four-star review, highlighting the "crisp, clear and detailed" nature and "spacious presentation" as reasons to consider these cans for wired listening. Those attributes are ideally suited to gaming, too, as keen-eared gamers rely on clarity and spatial precision for high-intensity competitive matches.

While these gaming-focused cans have been primarily positioned towards PC gamers, the H6 Air is also compatible with the PS5 and other consoles with 3.5mm headphone jacks.

Sony says that it has also worked closely with PlayStation Studios at Sony Interactive Entertainment to create an "RPG/Adventure” equaliser profile, which applies audio processing to reflect those titles and recreate the "acoustic experience of a sound studio" to deliver "an overwhelmingly immersive listening experience".

This can be accessed via the included USB-C Audio Box accessory, which also unlocks a virtual 7.1 channel surround sound mode with 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming.

The Sony InZone H6 Air certainly has the credentials to woo audiophiles and serious gamers alike, and at £179 / $200 / €200, it sits in the more affordable sector of premium gaming headsets too. It's joined by a new transparent purple edition of the InZone buds, which will launch later this month alongside the InZone H6 Air.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best wired headphones

As well as our full Sony PlayStation 5 review

And the best game soundtracks to test your system

In case you missed it, Netflix ended support for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) last week.

You probably did miss it, as the PS3 is approaching 20 years old(!), and unlikely to be your Netflix go-to (unless you were desperate to watch Stranger Things on a CRT TV in a 4:3 aspect ratio).

But for me, it was the end of an era. Before smart TVs and streaming sticks became commonplace, and indeed while I was on a student budget, the humble PS3 was how I watched everything. It was the most efficient, hassle-free way to get films and shows on my TV in then-glorious HD, and most importantly, required no further hardware cost.

It was also how I got into Blu-ray, too. It's entirely possible that I would have never begun my collection had my PS3 not arrived with a copy of Terminator: Salvation bundled in, and if the console had no Blu-ray support whatsoever, the chances of my young teenage self being able to invest in a standalone player were quite slim.

Which is why I think it's high time the video game console got a shoutout for its media centre capabilities.

It's certainly not how we'd recommend watching home cinema content if possible these days – see our guides to the best 4K Blu-ray players and best streaming devices for those – but they're undoubtedly a cost-effective option if you happen to be a gamer also, and have been gateway devices that have undoubtedly had a big impact on the industry.

Multimedia video game consoles had a rocky start – the Philips CD-i is rather infamous for its attempt to blend a CD player with a games console, while the Mega-CD add-on to the Sega Mega Drive caused consumer confusion more than anything else. It wasn't until the iconic PlayStation arrived in 1995 that we had a truly successful multimedia console – even though we weren't impressed with its CD capabilities at the time (though modders have taken things into their own hands).

This paved the way for the PlayStation 2, notable for not only featuring a built-in DVD player but also for being priced lower than most standalone DVD players at the time. The PS2 remains the highest-selling console of all time with 160 million units sold – and who knows how many of these sales were for those primarily after an affordable DVD player.

It's when we get to the birth of our beloved Blu-ray that video game consoles had a pivotal influence on the future of home cinema. The great Blu-ray vs HD DVD war was won in no small part due to Sony's decision to add a Blu-ray drive into the PlayStation 3 – increasing the format's user base by an extra nine million by 2008, when Toshiba ceased production of HD DVD players.

Despite the PS3's high launch price, it was still one of the more cost-effective – and best-performing – Blu-ray players at the time, and an update even added support for 3D Blu-ray. Heck, the console has even been receiving software updates for its Blu-ray capabilities as recently as 2025.

I was one of many who were disappointed when the PS4 Pro did not support 4K Blu-ray – the format may well have been in a better position now if Sony's super-popular console had given gamers the gift of 4K optical disc playback, following the lead of Microsoft's ambitious, if struggling, Xbox One X & S models.

It was the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation that also turned the games console into a true multimedia hub that home entertainment fans took note of. Now with hard drives of up to 500GB, films and TV shows could be bought and downloaded onto the PS3 and 360. Media files could be accessed over a shared network, and the PS3 even had Bluetooth 2.0.

These consoles were also way ahead of the streaming curve. Netflix launched on Xbox 360 all the way back in November 2008, when Amazon Fire TV Sticks were just a glint in Jeff Bezos' eye, and was also the very first device to offer Netflix streaming in HD.

I clearly wasn't the only one having consoles double up as my streaming appliance – by 2012, Sony reported that more people streamed Netflix on their PS3 than on any other device.

And today? Smart TVs and devices are so prevalent that the multimedia capabilities of game consoles are far less called upon, even though the current PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X still offer a rather comprehensive range of streaming options.

And while they haven't quite had the same impact as their predecessors had on DVD and Blu-ray popularity, the PS5 and Series X are likely, by far, to be the most common 4K Blu-ray players out there.

Even though they would not be our recommended devices for the job, anything that gets more 4K Blu-rays into people's homes is a good thing – and has surely helped contribute to the recent rise in 4K Blu-ray sales despite a dearth of new Blu-ray players.

I'm definitely grateful for the convenience and quality that we get from smart TVs and dedicated media players these days – but part of me will always remain nostalgic for a time when one device was the gateway to so many different worlds.

Which is the best 4K Blu-ray player, PS5 or Xbox Series X?

And check out our picks for the best streaming devices

As well as our picks for the best Blu-ray players

If recent reports are to be believed, then it may finally be time to say goodbye to the Sony PlayStation 4.

After 12 years of service, the console, which was succeeded by the PlayStation 5 in 2020, could see support winding down very soon.

The PS4 and PS5 have shared the spotlight for an unusually long period, mostly due to stock issues plaguing the PS5 early in its life.

That problem seemed to have been resolved in 2022; though that didn't stop game developers from continuing to release games for the ageing console, with new PS4 titles still being scheduled up to the present day.

However, an insight from GamesIndustry.biz – a reputable source for gaming news – claims that developers are finally beginning to wind down support for the PS4 versions of their titles.

This is due to hardware limitations, with the PS4 sporting an older processor and hard disc drive rather than a solid state drive, which plays a crucial role in the PS5's speedy performance.

While Sony hasn't confirmed if it will end software support for the PS4 quite yet, it seems inevitable, with major forthcoming titles such as Grand Theft Auto VI and Battlefield 6 only set for release on the PlayStation 5.

So, why do we care? Well, Blu-ray players are few and far between these days, and the PS4 happens to be one of the remaining devices that can play Blu-ray movie discs.

It unfortunately doesn't support 4K Blu-ray discs, though HDR10 is supported, and you can access 4K streaming via the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and more.

We're willing to bet that many people will continue to use their PS4s as movie-watching machines, and the good news is that they should still fulfil this function even if Sony starts slowing down updates.

And even if the console will no longer receive the major game releases or new headline features, Sony has a reassuring history of supporting its consoles' media playback capabilities long after they officially cease support.

For example, Sony released an update in March for the PlayStation 3, which launched all the way back in 2006, to refresh the console's Blu-ray encryption key in order to comply with Advanced Access Content System, a form of copyright protection assigned to Blu-ray discs.

This was a vital step to ensure that the nearly 20-year-old console could continue to play Blu-ray discs, and crucial for anyone who still used a PS3 as their primary Blu-ray player.

While there are certainly more capable disc players out there, the PS4 can be snapped up on the second-hand market at a hefty discount compared to its launch price, so it's a tempting choice for those on the lookout for a budget Blu-ray player complete with gaming functionality.

That being said, for those still using the PS4 for movies, there are some clear reasons to consider an upgrade.

The PS5 supports 4K Blu-ray disc playback, and it does so pretty well in our experience. Furthermore, it now supports Dolby Atmos via HDMI eARC, meaning you can access immersive audio for your games and movies alike.

However, if you're sticking with the PS4 as your primary media consumption machine, then you can rest easy knowing that it should still serve its purpose for a while to come, even if gaming support finally grinds to a halt.

MORE:

Read our full Sony PlayStation 5 review

And check out our list of the best 4K Blu-ray players

And the best OLED TVs

I'm more than familiar with Dolby Atmos, having tested more Atmos-equipped soundbars, speaker systems and AVRs than I can count; however, I feel as though I've not been utilising it properly at home.

I've watched my fair share of movies at home that take advantage of the immersive audio format.

But I've been meaning to hook my PlayStation 5 up to my Philips OLED907 TV and Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus ever since Sony announced that the PS5 would get full Dolby Atmos support.

So, with a quiet weekend on my hands after a busy week of covering Amazon Prime Day, I found that I had the perfect opportunity to detach my PS5 from my 1440p gaming monitor and give it the proper picture and sound set-up it deserves.

I decided to start Cyberpunk 2077, a sci-fi role-playing game that was lamented at launch for its poor quality, but has since had plenty of updates to improve the experience. While I can't vouch for the gameplay, which still feels a bit clumsy in my humble opinion, I can confirm that it is a spectacular showcase for Dolby Atmos.

One thing that Cyberpunk does fantastically is its world-building. There's a huge sci-fi city to explore with soaring hover vehicles overhead, blaring hologram billboards, and a general bustle comprised of murmuring crowds and cars whizzing past.

That might sound familiar to anyone who knows one of our favourite 4K reference discs. Yes, there are quite a few similarities with Blade Runner 2049 – it seems as though cyberpunk sci-fi and home cinema go hand in hand.

It's already immersive thanks to some pretty fantastic visual and audio direction; however, when I enabled Dolby Atmos on my PS5 – which involves digging through the settings as it's not applied by default – it took the experience to a new level.

It has to be one of the most immersive gaming experiences I've ever had.

I was met with genuinely imposing audio with tangible height effects every time a hovercraft passed overhead, while gunfights felt more tense thanks to bullets flying past within the 3D soundscape.

Bustling bars and shady back alleys brimmed with audio that travelled dynamically as I slinked my way around the city, to the extent that I spent a good chunk of my gameplay just wandering the streets to take in the sonic feast that the game presents.

It made me consider whether Dolby Atmos is in fact best suited to gaming, as the act of moving around in a 3D space, especially one with lots of moving parts and effects, should be more immersive than your traditional blockbuster film. After all, you are literally controlling the main character.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a prime example, as it does an extensive amount of worldbuilding to help draw you into the story and environment. This is aided massively by the fantastic audio design, which is properly brought to life with Dolby Atmos.

Admittedly, this isn't my first Dolby Atmos gaming experience, as I have tried it on Xbox with Forza Horizon 5, which is another shining example of how to implement Atmos into gaming titles.

However, Cyberpunk 2077 takes the crown for me currently, as I think it provides more in the way of height channels, making for a flashier Atmos experience.

There are bound to be more upcoming titles that take advantage of the immersive audio format in interesting ways.

I can't wait to see how it's utilised in Grand Theft Auto VI and the upcoming Battlefield title, so I have no plans to ditch Dolby Atmos gaming anytime soon. Even better than Atmos movies? It might just be.

MORE:

Read our full Sony PlayStation 5 review

Here's how to get the best picture and sound out of your PS5

And check out our picks for the best Blu-ray players

Microsoft has announced a major price increase to its Xbox range, and it's going to impact more than just the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles.

It will affect the UK, North America, Australia and Europe, with accessories and first-party games also going up, meaning new and existing Xbox gamers are going to feel the sting.

Starting with the consoles, the Xbox Series S, which we reviewed at £250 / $300 / AU$500 back in 2021, will now carry a recommended retail price of £300 / $380 / AU$550.

The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, will increase from £449 / $499 / AU$749, to £500 / $600 / AU$850. Price increases are also hitting the 512GB version of the Xbox Series S, the discless Xbox Series X Digital, and the 2TB Xbox Series X.

Furthermore, Microsoft states that "Xbox Series S and X availability may continue to change over time depending on the retailer and by country."

We're not entirely sure what this entails, but it could hint towards stock shortages that harken back to this console generation's early days, in which Xbox and PlayStation consoles were hard to come by.

Alongside the consoles, controllers are set to become more expensive, with the standard remote now costing £60 / $65 / AU$100; for reference the Xbox Wireless Controller originally launched at £55 / $60 / AU$90.

Xbox's official headsets (both the wired and wireless versions) are also getting a price hike, though it will only affect the US and Canada.

Finally, Microsoft has confirmed that first-party game titles will also get more expensive. It states that some titles will go up to $80 by the "holiday season" (presumably December), though it hasn't confirmed international pricing for future games quite yet.

Microsoft cites "market conditions and the rising cost of development" as the reasons behind this price increase, and it isn't the only company that's feeling the pressure.

Sony announced that the PlayStation 5 will become more expensive due to “a challenging economic environment” last month. Furthermore, Nintendo has raised eyebrows with its pricey new Switch 2 console, which features games priced similarly to the incoming Xbox increase.

We're willing to bet that the vaguely named "market conditions" and "challenging economic environment" are in reference to the tariff situation in the United States. Microsoft primarily manufactures its Xbox hardware in China, which is currently subject to substantial tariff rates, so while it's disappointing to see a price increase, it's not entirely surprising.

MORE:

Read our full Xbox Series X review

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: which one should you choose?

Here are the best Xbox Series X settings for picture and sound

Sony has officially unveiled its mid-cycle PlayStation refresh with the PS5 Pro joining the recently refreshed PS5. This new console is touted to close the gap between the current performance and fidelity modes that gamers have to choose between on the current PS5 model, meaning we can expect responsive and fluid gaming without sacrificing detail. 

This has reportedly been achieved by upgrading three internal aspects of the PS5, as demonstrated by PlayStation's Lead Architect of the PS5 console, Mark Cerny. First and foremost, the PS5 Pro comes with a larger GPU that can reportedly make graphics rendering on the PS5 Pro 45 per cent faster than on PS5. The PS5 Pro is also touting 28 per cent faster RAM than the standard model, which should play a hand in smoother operation and gameplay too.

PlayStation has also built upon Ray Tracing, which produces more lifelike reflections and lighting in games. Cerney claims that the on-device calculations of the light rays are "double, or even triple the speeds of the PlayStation 5", and in a short demo of reflections in Hogwarts Legacy (a spin-off of the Harry Potter franchise), we did see some mighty impressive and realistic-looking reflections on the glossy tiled floor of the wizarding school.

Finally, Sony is leveraging AI upscaling on the PS5 Pro to enhance detail levels, with Cerny stating that custom hardware for machine learning has been implemented into the PS5 Pro. This console will also have access to an AI library called the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which will analyse the game "pixel-by-pixel and can add an extraordinary amount of detail". We're no stranger to AI upscaling, as Samsung has been touting its implementation in its QN900D 8K TV, alongside many other manufacturers leveraging artificial intelligence to boost picture and sound performance.

Elsewhere, the PS5 Pro is set to support the same picture and sound standards as the existing PS5, including HDR10, alongside Sony's Tempest 3D Audio system and Dolby Atmos over HDMI eARC. It's also being upgraded to the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard for greater wireless internet stability, and Sony also says it will support VRR and 8K over HDMI 2.1. Sony's excellent DualSense controller is also bundled in here, though the PS5 Pro is also compatible with the DualSense Edge controller if you need a more serious handset for long gaming sessions.

What this PlayStation won't support, however, is discs; unless you buy an optional modular disc drive, that is. Much like the PS5 Slim model that launched earlier this year, the PS5 Pro won't come with a disc drive as standard. The good news is that the currently available UHD disc drive attachment for the PS5 is also compatible with the new Pro model. 

Onto the pricing, and this is where avid console gamers who are keen for an upgrade might want to sit down. The PS5 Pro is set to launch at £700 / $700 (Australian pricing TBC), which is almost double the price of the PS5 Slim Digital Edition (£390 / $450 / AU$769). If you want the disc drive, you're going to have to spend an additional £100 / $80 / AU$159. Pre-orders begin on the 26th of September, and the console is expected to begin shipping on the 7th of November. 

MORE:

Read our full Sony PlayStation 5 review

PS5 Slim: price, specs, where to buy and everything you need to know

And PS5 Pro: all the rumours on its release date, price and specs

Philips has announced a second version of its Hue Play HDMI sync box, and this one is aimed at gamers.

The Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K plays nice with 8K content at 60Hz, or 4K at 120Hz, the latter being ideal for gamers. The HDMI 2.1 video standard is also supported, unlocking gaming features such as Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Like its predecessor, it also supports the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats of HDR.

The downside is that it is more expensive. In the US, it sells for $350 – that's $50 pricier than the first-gen model. We still await UK and Australian pricing.

The sync box syncs Philips Hue lights to whatever is on your TV screen. It works with Philips Hue's smart lights, and its performance is customisable from within the Hue app. However, you will need to buy a Philips Hue Bridge (£50) and the Hue lights themselves separately (£160 for the 55-inch TV Hue Play gradient lightstrip, plus extra for additional lights), so it's not a one-stop shop.

The other downside is that it works only with content shown from devices plugged into your TV via HDMI. So if you want the lights to flash in time with Bridgerton, you will need to watch Netflix through a streaming device rather than the app on your TV. You can download an app version of the sync box to certain Samsung TVs, but it costs £115 / $130 / AU$200, plus the price of the Hue lights.

Elsewhere, the Philips Hue app now lets you add multiple Bridges without having to create a separate account for each. Each Bridge supports only around 50 lights, so this could be handy if you want to fill your home with smart lights.

MORE:

Read our Philips OLED809 review

Check out Philips' 2024 TV range

Best TVs: Brilliant budget to premium 4K Ultra HD

Sony has announced a new update coming to the PlayStation 5 that will introduce personalised spatial audio to the console. While the PS5 already supports the Tempest 3D audio system, this update will tailor the immersive audio experience to each individual's ears.

In a demo of the new UI that can be found here, Sony shows off the new step-by-step calibration system that will be added to the settings menu of the PS5 when this update is released in the coming months (no exact date has been set yet). The calibration settings involve test sounds being played through your headphones, with users then locating the direction of the sound using a three-dimensional audio bubble graphical interface. 

This new audio feature is expected to work across a variety of wired and wireless headsets, so you won't need one of Sony's own Pulse 3D PS5 headsets in order to take advantage of it. Furthermore, this is quite a big upgrade over the current spatial audio customisation settings, which only allow you to change the height level of sound effects. 

This personalised spatial audio system joins Dolby Atmos, which was also recently added to the PS5 in a software update. Sony's implementation of Dolby Atmos is more focused on using external HDMI eARC devices such as Dolby Atmos soundbars or AVRs, so this new headphone-based spatial audio system should benefit gamers who prefer to use gaming headsets.

MORE:

Read our full PlayStation 5 review

Team Sony or Team Microsoft? PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X

Here's how to get the best picture and sound from your PS5

Microsoft has announced a disc-less Xbox Series X Digital Edition, a Galaxy Black Special Edition Series X console, and a 'Robot White' Xbox Series S – all of which will hit shelves in "holiday 2024" (November or December, then).

At the annual Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, Xbox president Sarah Bond also teased that Microsoft was "hard at work" on a next-generation Xbox console.

The highly anticipated Xbox Series X Digital Edition mirrors the existing console's specification but ditches the disc drive, comes in a Robot White finish, and costs $450 – $50 less than the Series X's original RRP. Microsoft is yet to confirm other territory pricing, although we can expect figures of around £400 and AU$650.

That's good news for digital-first Xbox Game Pass gamers who are looking to upgrade to the Series X for less, although the standard Series X can currently be bagged for only $409 at Walmart. 

Previous rumours of a bold new cylindrical design, 2TB of internal storage and Wi-Fi 6E (for improved throughput latency and interference mitigation) are unfounded, though they could relate to the next-gen console Bond says is now in the works.

Next up is a 'Galaxy Black Special Edition' Series X with double the storage (2TB SSD) and a unique design whose silver, grey, and green celestial effect draws "inspiration from constellations and the spirit of exploration and adventure that outer space evoke". It comes with a matching controller that sports a 'Galaxy Black' D-pad and 'Velocity Green' back case and will be available in "limited quantities" for $600. Again, that should translate to approximately £500 and AU$950.

Last and, to be fair, probably least, Microsoft is also launching a 1TB Series S in Robot White, following the 1TB Carbon Black variant it launched last year to offer gamers more storage over the original 512GB Series S. That 2023 black model will only be available while supplies list, with the new white version arriving for $350 (roughly £300 and AU$550).

You can see each of the three consoles in more detail in Microsoft's teaser trailer on YouTube.

Pre-order information and territory pricing will come to light in "the coming months".

MORE:

Best gaming TVs 2024: the top sets for your PS5 and Xbox Series X tested

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: which is better?

Which is the best 4K Blu-ray player, PS5 or Xbox Series X?

TV spec upgrades are a little thin on the ground this year, but one new spec that is doing the rounds is support for 144Hz signals. A feature of the new LG C4 and G4, and Samsung models such as the S95D, QN95D and QN900D, this is an upgrade on the super-popular 4K/120Hz gaming spec. Exciting, right? Actually, only for a very limited number of people.

For those not in the know, 4K/120Hz gaming involves a console or PC outputting a game in 4K resolution at 120fps to a 4K display that can refresh 120 times per second. It results in a super-responsive, super-smooth experience that not only looks and feels great but can also give you a competitive advantage in fast-paced online games.

Upping the frame/refresh rate to 144Hz of course has the potential to improve this even further and, in fact, 144Hz monitors have been available for quite some time. The problem is that outputting games at higher frame rates requires more processing power from the console or PC, which is likely a key reason that no current console can handle 144Hz gaming.

There’s no real reason that a console couldn’t offer 144Hz gaming at resolutions below 4K so that someone could, for example, select to save processing power by dropping to 1080p so that it could be used to increase the frame rate to 144fps, and this is in fact what many PC gamers do when responsiveness matters more than fidelity. Console makers, though, tend to be more precious and controlling over how their platform’s games are presented, so either the PS5 or Xbox Series X offering such an option feels unlikely, particularly in the case of the PlayStation.

There is every chance that the rumoured PS5 Pro and/or an equivalent new Xbox will feature an increase from 4K/120Hz to 4K/144Hz – after all, there seems to be no appetite for increasing resolution beyond 4K – but we could equally be waiting for full, next-gen consoles before that upgrade materialises.

In the meantime, only hardcore PC gamers will be able to take advantage of the 144Hz support of this year’s best gaming TVs.

MORE:

Check out our full review of the 144Hz LG C4

And here's our Samsung S95D review

These are the very best TVs you can buy right now

Details about the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 Pro have leaked, with Insider Gaming backing up their legitimacy.

New features such as AI upscaling, a 'High CPU Frequency' mode, improved rendering, and faster ray tracing mean the PS5 Pro should be a genuine improvement over the standard model. However, until Sony confirms everything, it's best not to take any leaks as gospel. 

Leaked documentation on the upcoming PlayStation model has been verified by sources who wish to remain anonymous. Insider Gaming has confirmed the documentation came from a PlayStation developer portal, which was sent out to a wider group of third-party developers. 

One of the main attractions appears to be the PSSR (PlayStation spectral super-resolution upscaling) which is said to be powered by an AI Accelerator and provides AI upscaling and antialiasing solutions for 'Pro' games. 

Rendering is said to be 45 per cent faster with the PS5 Pro, and it also supposedly supports resolutions up to 8K. The new model should also provide two to three times the ray tracing capabilities – in some cases up to four times. 

It looks likely that the PS5 Pro will feature an identical 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU to the standard model. However, the new model is said to offer a new ‘High CPU Frequency mode’ which will allow the CPU to run 10 per cent faster by allocating more power from the GPU. This is achieved by slightly downclocking the GPU by just 1 per cent.

The PS5 Pro's audio processing looks set to run at a higher clock speed compared to the standard PS5 and is said to provide 35 per cent more performance.

According to the latest info, the PS5 Pro will offer 576 GB/s of RAM, marking a 28 per cent increase over the standard model which runs at 448 GB/s. The Pro model is said to run more efficiently overall, which could mean that bandwidth gain may be even greater. 

It’s also worth noting that the PS5 Pro is set to include a detachable disc drive, much like the current edition of PS5, along with 1TB of storage.

The leaks suggest Sony is gearing up to release the PlayStation 5 Pro later in the year, perhaps during the 2024 holiday season. Pricing information has not been made available and according to sources, it probably won’t surface for a few months. We will keep you up to date with all the latest news as we get it!

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Our picks for the best TVs in 2024: flagship OLEDs and affordable flatscreens tried and tested

Find out why a gaming headset should be your secret weapon

This compact, OLED-enhanced gaming system will keep you entertained for years

If audio is half of the movie watching experience, then it’s closer to a third of the gaming experience. Sure, during a movie, mis-hearing some dialogue or some subtleties of the effects will undoubtedly mar your enjoyment, but in gaming, it could be the difference between life or death.

Most TVs don’t sound great, which is why we always recommend adding a soundbar. But gamers should go a step further and add a dedicated pair of gaming headphones or a headset. By channelling the audio directly into your ears, they’ll serve two purposes: they’ll make the sound clearer and more immediate, while also shutting out the distractions of the outside world. Because if you’re immersing yourself in a new gaming world, the last thing you need is boring old reality butting in.

Here’s how a gaming headset can help you up your game.

They can sound pretty great. Like Beats headphones of old, a lot of gaming headsets veer towards a bass-heavy sound. Nothing wrong with that you might think – explosions should have plenty of low-end, after all – but not when it comes at the expense of other frequencies. The best gaming headsets are fairly neutral and tonally balanced, so you can hear the game as it’s supposed to be heard. Yes, you want an energetic performance so it doesn’t sound flat, and plenty of punch, especially if you’re playing an action game. But clarity should take centre stage. Otherwise, those little details you miss could end up costing your life…

They don't tie you down. The best gaming headsets are wireless, so you don’t get tangled up, and can roam around the room without having to take them off. The wireless connection should be robust, as a drop out could cost you dearly, with minimal lag, if you want to stay competitive.

They let you be heard. Most gaming headsets include a built-in mic so you can talk to your gaming teammates. This should let you be heard as clearly as the game’s effects (even if you are mostly shrieking with excitement). 

They're comfortable. A decent gaming headset should be one you put on and forget about – like the best headphones, it should be so comfortable you forget you’re wearing it. Look out for a lightweight design that distributes its weight evenly over the headset. You also don't want too tight a grip between the earpads. Because the last thing you want is to be constantly adjusting it instead of focussing on helping your teammates.

They put you in the game. Some models have head-tracking technology that can place the sound around you, as if it's happening right in the room. In the past this was something of a gimmick, but now the tech has come on to the point where it's actually useful. Now if you hear an approaching enemy, you’ll be able to pinpoint which direction they’re coming from that bit faster.

They cancel the outside world. It's not just ANC headphones that can silence reality – some gaming headsets have noise-cancelling technology onboard for pressing mute on the outside world. Zero distractions, no excuses.

They last all day long. Some models last in excess of 30 hours, so you can game uninterrupted all day and all night. And with fast charging onboard (giving an hour of play from just a few minutes’ juicing up), it’s never been quicker to get back into the game.

MORE:

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: specs, power, features and more compared

Hear this! 14 best video game soundtracks to test your headphones

These are the best gaming TVs to play them on

Nearly six years after release, the PS5 continues to improve. The latest firmware update has just dropped – at time of writing – and brings a host of new feature to the ageing device, like the ability to go straight from the Friends Activity widget in your Welcome Hub to the games that you friends are playing. Which should make it easier to join social gaming sessions.

But what we originally knew as the PS5 is no more, as it's been replaced by the PS5 Slim which is now the default model. It's unlikely, but some retailers might still have old stock of the original PS5 console (it's more likely if you're buying secondhand).

So what are the differences between the two?

Like previous Slim variants, the PS5 Slim is essentially the same console as the standard PS5 but in a slimmed-down design – previously, the PS2, PS3 and PS4 all shed some pounds for their own Slim iterations.

But that's not the full story. The PS5 Slim has some upgraded innards too, including more storage and more modern USB ports.

Read on for more detail.

• PS5 and Xbox gamers don't need 144Hz TVs – at least not yet
• The best gaming TVs you can buy

Price: how much does the PS5 Slim cost compared to the PS5?

The PS5 Slim was announced at the start of October 2023, and went on sale the following month.

Like the original PS5, it comes in two variants – one with a disc drive, one without. The Digital Edition launched at £390 / $450 / AU$769, while the version with the disc drive cost £480 / $500 / AU$799. But after a price increase, the Digital Edition is £430 (the price rise doesn't affect the US and Australia). The disc drive PS5 remains at the same price.

This is the second price rise in the PS5's relatively short life. The previous hike came earlier in 2023.

The original PS5 Digital Edition launched at £360 / $400 / AU$600, while the Physical Edition was originally £450 / $500 / AU$750. Halcyon days.

The PS5 Slim's detachable disc drive originally cost £100 / $80 / AU$159, though this has since fallen in the UK and Australia to £70 / AU$124).

Want the vertical stand to go with it, and show off how slim your new PS5 is? That's extra too. It costs £25 / $30 / AU$49.

Stock of the standard PS5 is currently thin on the ground. If you can find it, it has a higher chance of being discounted by retailers looking to shift old stock. Good luck.

** Winner: PS5 **

• PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition: which should you buy?

What are the key design and size differences between the PS5 Slim and PS5?

The PS5's design is somewhat divisive. Some people love its big-collared look, while for others it might be a bit too Harry Hill. But one fact is not up for debate: it's massive. The biggest console in gaming history, in fact. So the PS5 Slim is most welcome.

It's not only slimmer than the PS5, but lighter as well. It's 30 per cent smaller and 24 per cent or 18 per cent lighter, depending if you opt for the version that includes the disc drive. So not only will it take up less of your home entertainment unit, it'll put less strain on your back when you pick it up, too.

This is in keeping with previous 'Slim' models – the PS4 Slim was 40 per cent smaller than the original PS4, while the PS3 Slim was 33 per cent slimmer than the standard PS3, 36 per cent lighter, and 34 per cent more power efficient.

Sony then went on to launch a PS3 Super Slim model, which managed to be 20 per cent smaller than the PS3 Slim, while tipping the scales at 25 per cent lighter.

For the first time, Sony sells the PS5 Slim's disc drive as an optional extra, so if you buy the Digital Edition and find you miss physical media formats, you can always add it on afterwards. Although it won't look quite as sleek as the Physical Edition variant's built in version.

In terms of the actual look, there's not much difference between the PS5 and PS5 Slim. The Slim model does have four side plates instead of the standard PS5's two. One of these extras is to fit the detachable Blu-ray disc drive, and also makes it easier to access in case it needs repairing.

** Winner: PS5 Slim **

How do the PS5 Slim and PS5 specs compare?

The two consoles mostly have the same specs, but there are a couple of key differences. The PS5 Slim has 1TB of onboard storage, whereas the standard PS5 only has 825GB (though it is expandable with external storage). That gives the Slim model more space for games, movies, music, photos and apps.

There's also a slight difference in the USB ports. The Slim model has two USB-C ports on the front, whereas the original PS5 has one USB-C and one USB-A. On both consoles, one of these is rated Hi-speed (the USB-A on the original PS5, up to 480Mbps), and one is SuperSpeed (up to 10Gbps).

Both consoles have two rear USB-A SuperSpeed ports. You can see more info here.

Other than that, the specs of both consoles are nigh-on identical. And they should perform exactly the same. They both deliver 4K games mostly at 60Hz (but upping this to 120Hz for some titles) with an AMD graphics processor with 10.28 teraflops of power.

** Winner: PS5 Slim **

Verdict: PS5 Slim vs PS5 – which should you buy?

With stock of the original full-fat PS5 now nigh-on nonexistent, the PS5 Slim is now the default version of PS5. Its technical name is CFI-2000, so if a console isn't marked as 'Slim', make sure you check the model number before buying.

If you see the original console going for a bargain, and you don't mind the heft, the lower built-in storage and older USB arrangement, you should grab it. Otherwise, the PS5 Slim is the way to go.

MORE:

Check out how to get the best picture and sound from your PlayStation 5

Find out where to buy a PS5

These are the best PS5 games around

The PS5 has finally had a discount worth paying attention to this Black Friday. If you've been holding out on upgrading to the next generation console, or perhaps you're team Xbox and are curious to see what's happening on Sony's side, this is your best bet at getting a decent deal on the PS5.

Usually retailing for £480, EE still has the PS5 at the lowest price we've seen since its launch; although this is somewhat of a loaded statement as the PS5 has increased in price since then. Originally retailing for £450, Sony has since raised the price to £480 where it has remained since. 

Now, thanks to an early kick-off for Black Friday, you can scoop up the disc-drive-equipped PS5 for £379 at EE - a saving of £101. We're especially pleased to see it's the version that includes the disc drive, as this model can double up as a gaming machine and a 4K Blu-ray player.

Sony's next-generation console had a rocky start back in 2020, with supply issues and a lack of notable titles plaguing the system at launch. However, three years on these issues have been ironed out, with abundant stock and loads of excellent titles such as Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Horizon: Forbidden West and God of War: Ragnarok.

It's also had a few technical upgrades along the way too. Notably, Sony has since updated the PS5 to output at Quad HD (1440p) for those with monitors or TVs that support the resolution, as well as a huge audio upgrade that it released just a few weeks ago. The PS5 is finally capable of system-wide Dolby Atmos support, meaning you can play games and watch movies using the immersive audio format over supported HDMI eARC devices such as Dolby Atmos soundbars. 

This model notably includes a disc drive, meaning you can use physical media for games and movies, 4K Blu-rays to be exact for the latter. There is also a model that is digital only, although it doesn't seem to be on sale - this could be due to the impending new model that can be equipped with a detachable disc drive. That new model is expected to perform the same as the current PS5 so don't worry about getting an inferior version if you spring for a new console now. You'll also get access to a range of streaming services on the PS5, including Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus, as well as region-dependent services such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX. 

So will you be taking the plunge into next-generation gaming? If you do, make sure you have a top-notch gaming TV to plug it into, as this generation is all about 4K/120Hz.

MORE:

Check out the best Black Friday deals 

Alongside the best Black Friday TV deals

And read our full Sony PlayStation 5 review

Unreal Engine, the framework many popular console, PC and mobile games are built on, has introduced new options for developers to include support for the latest HDR formats and Dolby Atmos immersive audio on mobile platforms. 

While HDR gaming isn't anything new, the update means Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are about to become a lot more common in upcoming video games. 

Up until now, developers have mostly been limited to HDR10. Only a handful of Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S games support Dolby Vision ,like Halo Infinite and Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. 

This list can now be massively expanded now that Dolby has introduced Atmos and Vision plugins. The expansion means games built on this platform will be able to take advantage of more immersive directional audio, as well as bolder contrast and more vivid colours. 

Some notable titles built on the Unreal Engine include Fortnite, Gears 4 and Borderlands 3. 

Wider Dolby Vision HDR support will be exclusive to the Xbox and PC games running on Windows 10 or later. However, Dolby Atmos is coming to the last generation Xbox One and to Android phone games thanks to the new plugin, meaning immersive audio is coming to gamers on more platforms than ever before. 

Dobly is one of many companies expanding its HDR support for games. Samsung's HDR10+ Technologies group has announced a similar integration with Unreal Engine with a plugin for game developers to take advantage of the format. It will support VRR, 120Hz and automatic calibration between the game and the TV display. 

The first game to support HDR10+ on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will be The First Descendant which is games support Dolby Vision like y next year. 

Unfortunately for PS5 gamers, none of these benefits will be gracing the Sony console, which currently only supports HDR10. There is no word as to whether HDR10+ or Dolby Vision support could be added later down the line, but that has been the case with a Dolby Atmos update, so never say never. 

MORE:

Read our full Xbox Series X review

As well as the best Xbox Series X games for sound and picture

Are you team Sony or team Microsoft? PS5 vs Xbox Series X

In case you didn't already realise, Netflix has a gaming arm to its super-popular streaming platform. It comes as a surprise to many considering the fact that the world's most popular streaming service is more typically associated with TV shows and movies, but there have been multiple attempts on behalf of the market giant to muscle in on the lucrative world of gaming via its "Netflix Games" sub-platform. 

Those efforts, clearly, are being stepped up a notch. According to reports from the WSJ, Netflix is attempting to expand its gaming division with the acquisition of the Grand Theft Auto license in order to produce its own GTA title through Netflix Games and bolster what is currently a rather patchy roster of indie titles.

This would certainly indicate Netflix's intentions to make it big in what is the most profitable market in entertainment, but it should be remembered that Netflix Games is available as a mobile platform only, meaning the idea of downloading and/or streaming AAA titles from the platform by hooking up a compatible controller and adequate TV or monitor (see the now-defunct Google Stadia) are a long way off. If GTA were to arrive on Netflix Games, it would likely be as a separate, standalone and, crucially, mobile title published via a Take-Two Interactive license.  

Netflix is clearly desperate for a piece of the gaming action, but recent attempts have proven somewhat unsuccessful. The streaming service's gaming library isn't so tiny as to be inconsequential, but it's lacking in exclusivity and, worse still, awareness. According to Apptopia via IGN, fewer than 1 per cent of Netflix subscribers play its games on a daily basis. 

We're still big fans of the most popular streaming service in town, awarding Netflix the full five stars when we initially reviewed it and praising the platform's vast catalogue of eclectic movies, TV shows and exclusive original content. We didn't consider gaming to be central to that success, however, as we, like most others, believed it to be a peripheral bonus rather than a core reason for subscribing in the first place. 

That might change with the "acquisition" of the Grand Theft Auto license, but it will take a lot more than a mobile version of GTA to make Netflix a real force in the gaming world – a world, incidentally, in which multi-billion dollar acquisitions of super-publishers (see Microsoft's takeover of Activision Blizzard) are becoming the norm.

If Netflix wants to make Netflix Games a viable option, it will need to fork out a lot more cash to grow its library. In that sense, GTA might only be the beginning...

MORE: 

Read our Netflix review and our Disney Plus review

Best streaming services for movies and TV shows 

The 40 best TV shows to watch on Netflix right now

I think Netflix and HBO are about to change the streaming TV market forever - here's why

Microsoft is currently embroiled in a US legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission (the FTC) over its intended purchase of Activision Blizzard. So far, so yawn. However, as part of that legal battle, information has leaked (thanks, The Verge) about a new version of the Xbox Series X, a new Series S and a new controller.

Inevitably, it's the Xbox Series X about which we're most interested, and on that there's good news and bad news. Code-named 'Brooklin', the good news is that the new Series X sports a bold new cylindrical design, has been upgraded to 2TB of internal storage, has Wi-Fi 6E for 'better throughput latency and interference mitigation', and uses less power than the existing model.

The bad news is that it's a digital-only model, so there's no disc drive. That's perhaps less of a problem for an Xbox than it is for a PS5, seeing as Xbox Game Pass is still so much stronger than PlayStation Plus, but it's still a shame for those who like to collect games or simply take advantage of discounted and second-hand discs, and it also (crucially, as far as we're concerned) obviously means that Blu-ray playback is off the menu. That could be yet another nail in the coffin for disc-based movies.

The new Xbox Series S (codename 'Ellewood') looks very much like the existing model, which is a bit disappointing, but it does also get a storage upgrade (to 1TB), Wi-Fi 6E and lower power consumption.

Both new consoles will come with a new controller, codename Sebile. It has a two-tone monochrome paint job that makes it look rather like a white controller that's been dipped in tar yet somehow (to this writer, at least) looks very smart. It also features motion controls, a rechargeable battery (finally!) and modular thumb sticks.

Interestingly, it also features a 'Direct-to-Cloud' connection, which will presumably result in reduced latency when using Xbox Cloud Gaming on a TV or portable device. On that subject, Microsoft is also touting 'Seamless Pair & Switch' functionality, the idea being that you can take your controller anywhere and quickly use it with different devices.

According to the leaked documents, the new controller will be announced later this year and will be priced at $70. That's $10 more than the official price of the original Series X/S controller. That likely means that the UK price will be £65 (£10 more than the current model) and that the Australian price will go up to around AU$110 (an increase of AU$20).

The new Xbox Series X and Series S will apparently be released in 2024, in November and September respectively (yes, that's Series S before Series X), and will be no more expensive than their predecessors in the US. Assuming there are no surprise increases elsewhere, that means we'll be looking at $499 / £480 / AU$799 for the new Series X and $299 / £250 / AU$499 for the new Series S.

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These are the best gaming TVs you can buy right now

Check out our PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison

Sony has deployed an update to the PS5 today that enables system-wide Dolby Atmos support. 

We originally reported the feature's inclusion in the Beta version of the software, with Sony claiming that a full rollout was to be expected "later this year". Well, that time has come – and sooner than expected, as the latest system software upgrade is available to download right now.

Alongside Dolby Atmos support for HDMI devices (over eARC we presume) other updates to the PS5 include support for SSD drives up to 8TB and the ability to connect an additional DualSense controller to the PS5 for assistance purposes. 

But back to the big AV news. Dolby Atmos support has actually been buried in a playback menu for compatible 4K Blu-ray movie discs since launch, but this new update enables it for gaming, too. Sony says that this update also enables streaming apps to utilise Dolby Atmos audio but developers will need to update their respective apps to include this feature. 

Sony is implementing Dolby Atmos off the back of existing audio tech within the PS5, namely its Tempest 3D Audio system. Mark Cerney, the lead system architect of the PS5, explains that while Tempest Audio decoded 5.1 and 7.1 audio signals already, Dolby Atmos supports the additional audio channels for fully immersive audio. 

Enabling Atmos on the PS5 should be fairly easy. First, you'll need to hook up a Dolby Atmos soundbar, or an AV receiver with a relevant home theatre speaker package, to the HDMI eARC connection on your TV. It's worth checking that you've plugged the audio equipment into the correct HDMI socket, as well as ensuring you've got an additional HDMI 2.1 port for your PS5 to be plugged into so that 4K/120Hz with VRR and ALLM can be enabled. 

From there, you can fire up your PS5, find the settings menu and follow these steps: Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Audio Format Priority, and then select Dolby Atmos in the drop-down menu. And now your PS5 should be able to decode Dolby Atmos for gaming. 

MORE:

Read our full PS5 review

Check out picks for the best PS5 games for ultimate picture and sound

Here's how to get the best picture and sound out of your PS5

27 best Dolby Atmos movie scenes to test your surround sound system

Sony Interactive Entertainment has entered into an agreement to acquire high-end headphone brand Audeze, which could spell good news for future PlayStation headset performance.

Audeze has produced a number of headphone hits (and some misses) in recent years, as well as higher-end gaming headsets such as last year's Maxwell, and Sony is looking to leverage the company's audio expertise to take PlayStation audio experiences to the next level.

Hideaki Nishino, senior vice president of Platform Experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment, says the company is excited to build on "the great strides we’ve made with PlayStation 5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech and the Pulse 3D wireless headset” with the acquisition, the terms and cost of which are not being disclosed at this time due to "contractual commitments".

Sony already impresses in the gaming headset market, but the tech giant clearly thinks Audeze can help enhance the performance of future models – perhaps through the California-based company's famed use of planar magnetic driver technology, as found in its LCD-GX open-back gaming headset and range of consumer and professional over-ear headphones. Could we see a higher-end PS5 headset above that of the Inzone H9 by Sony Electronics (a different division to SIE), or perhaps even a more innovative gaming audio concept? Only time will tell, but the acquisition does suggest Sony has big plans for future gaming audio. 

The well-timed news comes hot on the heels of Sony unveiling two new PS products – the PlayStation Explore wireless earbuds (£/$200) and an upgraded version of the Pulse 3D called the Pulse Elite (£/$150).

Thankfully for fans of Audeze headphones, and the high-end market generally, Audeze will continue to "operate independently and develop multi-platform products" whilst being a player in the PlayStation ecosystem, so we can expect more consumer models to come – hopefully of the same ilk as the Audeze LCD-1 and LCD-3.

MORE:

Gaming headsets vs headphones: which should you buy?

Sony's duo of new wireless audio devices offer audiophile quality for PS5 gamers

Best gaming TVs: top picks to go with your PS5 and Xbox Series X

Sony's Inzone H9 headset could be the XM5 headphones for gamers

Streaming service Netflix, still adamant to turn itself into a multi-platform entertainment service with the introduction of game streaming, has announced which devices will support its latest endeavour; and there appears to be one glaring omission. 

Starting in the UK and Canada, Netflix has begun rolling out a limited beta testing programme for its new game streaming section to Amazon Fire TV streaming devices, Google Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Samsung TVs, Nvidia Shield TVs, Roku streaming devices and TVs, and Walmart ONN TVs (in the US and Canada). Support for PC and Mac is also set to arrive in the coming week via Netflix.com on supported browsers. 

You'll notice that the Apple TV 4K is not included on that list, and that's due to Apple's regulations regarding game streaming services from within other catalogue apps; it does, however, allow game streaming from specified game streaming apps. Prior to this, Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming service was removed from the App Store due to Apple's policies, although users can still access it if they go via the website instead. 

Netflix hasn't ruled out support on the Apple TV, however, as it plans to add support for "additional devices on an ongoing basis". That being said, it will likely also rely on some cooperation from Apple to make it happen. 

Currently, you are able to download Netflix's selection of games to your iOS or Android mobile devices, however, if you want to play them on your PC or TV, you'll need to stream them. While you can use a keyboard and mouse on a PC, you'll need the Netflix Games Controller app to play the games on your TV which, ironically, is currently only available on iOS. 

The selection of games is currently rather slim in this beta trial, with just two available titles. You'll find Oxenfree, a 2016 indie title from Night School Studio which has since been acquired by Netflix, and Molehew’s Mining Adventure, an arcade-style gem mining game. More titles will, of course, be added in the future as the service grows.

MORE:

These are the 15 best movies on Netflix

Check out our picks for the best media streamers for your TV

Battle of the streaming services: Disney Plus vs Netflix

Rumours of a more slender variant of the PS5 have been circulating for quite some time now, and its existence might have just been confirmed thanks to a hands-on video of a supposedly leaked outer shell of the system. This comes after further details of the PS5 Pro supposedly leaked just last week.

Getting back to the Slim, this could be the fabled new model with the detachable disc drive that's been making the rounds for a while, although it's not exactly what we'd call a radical redesign. This new supposed slim model does appear to be somewhat more svelte than the original model, as the individual holding this new model does so with one hand; anyone who owns a PS5 knows that this is quite a challenge with the current model thanks to its awkward size, weight and shape. 

Notably, this PS5 seems to feature a gap at around the midway point of the side panels, which could allude to the detachable disc drive. Originally, the suspicion with the disc drive is that it would be connected via USB-C, and in the leaked images and video we can indeed see that this new model is outfitted with two front-facing USB-C connectors, whereas the original model only had one. 

Elsewhere, this alleged PS5 Slim carries over the same two-tone white and black design of the current PS5, with the overall appearance unsurprisingly taking on that of a slightly shrunken down PS5. 

The leak comes from X (formerly Twitter) leaker @BwE_Dev, in which the individual shows the outer shell of the console in a full 360-degree view. It's worth noting that this is an empty case, with none of the internal components present. An image of the console was also spotted last week on a Chinese forum by The Verge, sporting the same design as seen in the hands-on video. 

Hints of a PS5 Slim launching this year also cropped up during Sony and Microsoft's court battle over the latter company's acquisition of the games development and publishing company, Activision. Could we see a new PS5 by the end of the year?

MORE:

Read our full PS5 review

As well as our full Xbox Series X review

Need help deciding which console to go for? PS5 vs Xbox Series X 

The PS5 Pro rumour mill has been churning ever since Sony launched its next-generation console, and its latest batch of speculations and suspicions is quite the tasty treat. New information courtesy of reliable leaker Tom Henderson, responsible for revealing accurate insider information about the DualSense PS5 controller and 'Project Q' handheld streaming device, has given us possibly our best look at the upgraded gaming console yet.

Coming via FlatpanelsHD we learn that the upcoming console could be under development using the codename 'Trinity'; which aligns with the other Matrix-themed codenames of the PS4 Pro (Neo) and PS VR (Morpheus). According to Henderson, Sony began development last year, and it plans to launch the console in November 2024, four years after the original model which launched in November 2020.

But what can we expect from the PS5 Pro in terms of performance? Henderson claims that the PS5 Pro will serve up a host of picture improvements, including higher and more consistent frame rates at 4K, the inclusion of an 8K performance mode and even accelerated ray tracing for improved lighting and reflections within games. 

Looking at raw specs, Henderson suggests that the PS5 Pro will feature "30 WGP (workgroup processors) and 18000mts" internally, up from the standard PS5's 18 WGP, meaning we could see a substantial upgrade in graphical performance. 

While the PS5 Pro might still be over a year away, there are still rumours floating around of a refreshed standard PS5 with a detachable disc drive that is suspected to launch later this year – however, nothing has been confirmed by Sony as of yet.

MORE:

Still undecided? Xbox Series X vs PS5: which is better?

Get the best picture and sound out of your PS5

The best PS5 games for ultimate picture and sound

Ever since its launch in 2020, Sony's next-generation PlayStation has been lacking an important audio feature; that is until now. As part of a new update rolling out to members of the PS5 beta testing programme, you can now enable Dolby Atmos specifically, whereas before you were only able to select Linear PCM and either Dolby or DTS Bitstream. It's worth noting here that the PS5 has always been capable of Dolby Atmos playback for 4K Blu-ray discs, however, this new update will allow for Dolby Atmos gaming.

So how is Sony implementing this? It's actually using the Tempest 3D Audio infrastructure already built into the PS5, which has thus far allowed for PS5 3D Audio via Sony's first-party Pulse 3D Wireless headset and any headphones you plug directly into the PS5 DualSense controller via a 3.5mm headphone jack. Now, your PS5 will be able to identify relevant audio sources like a Dolby Atmos soundbar or a home theatre speaker system, and the Tempest 3D AudioTech will render the audio for your device and begin outputting Dolby Atmos audio – this includes the addition of those glorious overhead height channels. 

But how do you enable it? First of all, you'll need to ensure your PS5 is on the latest system software, and this is where we run into our first roadblock. Currently, this feature is only available to those using PS5 beta software, meaning you'll need to sign up for the beta programme; you can register for it here, but be warned that running pre-release software might compromise the stability of your console.

Once your PS5 is on the latest beta software version, you'll need to connect your PS5, TV and Dolby Atmos soundbar or speakers together via HDMI eARC. For the best experience, this of course requires at least two HDMI 2.1 sockets, one for the PS5 to run its full 4K/120Hz potential with VRR and ALLM enabled for the best performance, and one HDMI 2.1 eARC socket for your audio device. 

Finally, boot up your PS5 and enable Dolby Atmos in system settings like this: Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Audio Format Priority, and then select Dolby Atmos in the drop-down menu. And now your PS5 should be able to decode Dolby Atmos for gaming. 

Interestingly, Sony also references that "Media app providers", which we assume to be streaming app developers, will soon be able to implement Dolby Atmos into their apps, allowing for "another way to experience immersive audio in movies, TV shows, and more in the future". Sony makes it clear that this feature isn't available in the current PS5 beta build, but that it will be added in a future update. Could this mean Dolby Atmos support for the Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix apps on the PS5 in the near future? It certainly sounds like it.

MORE:

Here's how to get the best picture and sound out of your PS5

Check out picks for the best PS5 games for ultimate picture and sound

Are you team PlayStation or team Xbox? PS5 vs Xbox Series X

Gaming is a huge industry. As gamers love to remind us, it outsells practically all other forms of popular media, trouncing its competition to take 42 per cent of all entertainment revenue in 2022 according to the ERA. It’s no surprise then that big tech companies are doing everything they can to serve the most dominant consumer market on the block right now – a market that is young, devoted and very demanding. 

One of the things that gamers, especially at the competitive end, demand, is stable, responsive audio, something that the audio industry is now working hard to provide. Most streamers and competitive gamers favour a wired headset due to decreased latency levels (the time between seeing an action on screen and hearing it in your ears), meaning that Bluetooth sets are usually consigned to the more casual end of the market. Unsurprisingly, most Bluetooth connections can’t match the rapid response rates facilitated by good old-fashioned wires.  

That is something that tech giant Qualcomm is seeking to change. I attended the company’s tech demo in London to experience first-hand exactly how Qualcomm is looking to bring massively decreased latency rates to the world of Bluetooth gaming. It’s a dream that is being facilitated by the use of Qualcomm’s S3 Gen 2 platform via a plug-in dongle that dramatically reduces latency rates from screen to ear.

Most Bluetooth sets suffer from noticeable lag, ranging from a short hesitation to a really conspicuous delay in sound delivery. In a high-stakes competitive environment, these shortcomings can make all the difference. With the dongle, Qualcomm promises to reduce latency rates to around 20ms, a level so low you will barely register a delay between the action on screen and the time when you actually hear it. 

Such speed will inevitably vary depending on what you are doing, but Qualcomm’s demonstration really did seem to back up its remarkably high-speed claims. The demo itself was far from the high-tech, Blade Runner-like glamour you might expect from an industry-leading tech company; it featured nothing but a laptop and a few phones. But while the demo may not have been the most aesthetically impressive, the effect produced certainly was striking.

The demo backed up what Qualcomm’s numbers appear to suggest. A laptop with a dongle attached and some rather capable Qualcomm headphones (not for sale, sadly) connected via Bluetooth invitingly teased a training session on the wildly popular online shooter PUBG: Battlegrounds. Firing a shot from the protagonist’s firearm elicited an immediate audio response – the time between seeing the action on-screen and hearing the gunshot was, to all intents and purposes, imperceptible. It’s a really neat trick, although to get the proper experience you will need the dongle plugged into your gaming source, be it a laptop, console or even a mobile device, to get those latency rates as low as possible. You also, presumably, need everything else in the ensemble working at maximum capacity, so make sure your internet connection isn’t bringing in its own delay to the party.

Speaking of mobile devices, the demonstration also saw the dongle hooked up to a smartphone which sported a basic mobile piano app. My attempts to play Beethoven’s Pathétique with one finger proved a bridge too far, but the immediacy from touch-to-sound was almost akin to playing an actual piano – albeit far, far smaller – such was the decrease in perceptible lag.

If the tech works, the real question becomes one of audience. There is clearly a massive demand in the gaming world for decreased sound latency, it’s simply a question of whether a large number of wired users have a real desire to ditch the cables and find the freedom provided by a wireless connection. Qualcomm assures us that there is a ready market for low latency via Bluetooth cans, especially for young gamers not used to the burden of the cable experience; and with gaming now becoming hugely popular on the mobile market, too, there could be huge demand for such a facility. 

It’s also tech that could be implemented alongside some of Qualcomm’s other more recent innovations for a truly immersive gaming experience. We checked out the company’s head-tracking spatial audio last year, and while there are teething issues, sound that adapts and follows you as you play a game, be it cars racing past your head on a track or guards scouting your position, could make for a seriously immersive experience. Add low-latency Bluetooth into the mix and gaming audio really could go to the next level.

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Dynamic spatial audio is coming to Android phones for more immersive gaming and movie watching

aptX Lossless: what is the breakthrough Bluetooth codec? How can you get it? 

ViewSonic has debuted the world's first projector that's made for Xbox, and it even has Microsoft's seal of approval. The X2-4K Certified Gaming Projector is a US-exclusive beamer that's designed to be partnered with the Xbox Series X and Series S, but it seems to be missing a key feature. 

Carrying the "Designed by Xbox" stamp that's reserved for third-party partner accessories like remote controllers or headsets, the X2-4K is, as the name suggests a 4K projector with a gaming slant. ViewSonic says that it worked directly with the Xbox team at Microsoft, putting the projector through over 60 different test scenarios to ensure peak performance and compatibility.

So with that in mind, you're probably expecting a no-compromise projector that is the ultimate companion to the powerful Xbox Series X; but that's not really the case. The X2-4K is only equipped with HDMI 2.0 connectors, meaning it can either output at 1440p (Quad HD) at 120Hz, or 4K 60Hz. This means that the Xbox's biggest gaming feature, 4K 120Hz to be exact, is not accessible on this projector. Maybe the "Designed for Xbox" stamp only applies to the black and green styling of the unit instead.

According to ViewSonic, the projector instead intelligently adapts picture settings to best suit the gaming content it's displaying as well as "Xbox-exclusive resolution and refresh rate combinations", hence the Xbox approval. It also has a claimed 4.2ms Ultra-Fast input, as well as the option to simulate 240Hz refresh rate within the advanced settings, although this means the resolution maxes out at 1080p.

The rest of the projector looks to be fairly standard, with an LED light source capable of producing 2900 lumens and a claimed lifespan of 30,000 hours. The X2-4K is also HDR and HLG compatible and ViewSonic says the built-in Harman Kardon speakers supposedly offer theatre-level sound. It can project an image up to 120 inches, which means your Xbox games should feel especially cinematic, and set-up should be easy too, with comprehensive keystone and four corner adjustment features, as well as an auto keystone feature.

However, at $1600 (around £1250 / AU$2340), the ViewSonic X2-4K is on the pricier side, especially considering competition from the likes of BenQ and Epson which undercut that price. We can't see the X2-4K entering our best projectors list any time soon, but we are looking forward to seeing more console-approved projectors in the future.

MORE:

Read our full BenQ W1800 review

As well as our picks for the best projectors

And the best projector deals

It’s time to rethink the humble gaming laptop. If the term makes you think of overclocked eyesores, you need to think again. MSI’s latest GeForce RTX 40 series feature eye-catching designs as well as serious power upgrades, making them ideal for gamers, content creators, business people, and anyone looking for a truly next-generation laptop.

The MSI GeForce RTX 40 series is split into six sub-series: the Titan GT, Raider GE, Vector GP, Stealth, Pulse, Katana and Cyborg series. They’re all different specs and are ideal for different cases, but all share the same common features: luxurious aesthetics, extreme performance thanks to the all-new MSI Overboost Ultra Technology, and innovative effects with the Mystic light with panoramic aurora lighting technology.

Let’s see what’s on offer.

A gaming Titan

The Titan GT series is the ultimate desktop replacement. The flagship Titan GT77 HX is an absolute beast: max it out with an Intel Core i9-13980HX packing eight performance cores and 16 efficient cores, and you’ll be ready to handle multitasking across processor-hungry programs and the latest performance-demanding games alike.

It’s built with the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture (named after the first computer programmer), enabling a quantum leap in performance, rendering lifelike virtual worlds with full ray tracing. With the Max-Q suite of technologies optimising system performance, power, battery life, and acoustics for peak efficiency, it’ll work harder for longer.

It’s a beauty to behold too, thanks to its 17.3-inch 4K MiniLED screen. With a sky-high refresh rate of 144Hz (meaning the on-screen image refreshes 144 times every second), it makes gaming blur a thing of the past. Prices start at £5299.

Zoom Raider

If it’s luxury you’re after, look no further than the Raider GE series. It boasts a new luxury design that’s topped off perfectly by the Mystic Light with matrix lightbar – this panoramic aurora lighting design expands across the entire front of the chassis, granting you the user granular control over the lighting effects. With virtually endless combinations on offer from the 16.8 million colours, it truly is a laptop like no other.

There’s plenty of power under the hood, too. With up to an i9-13980HX with RTX 4090, and a maximum 250W total power of CPU and GPU combined, your opponents won’t stand a chance, whether they’re in the boardroom or the online battle arena. Prices start at £2199.

Vector GP: excellence as standard

Talking of performance, the Vector GP series combines powerful performance with the latest technology to devastating effect. It features up to i7-13700H with RTX 4070, and like all the other laptops featured here apart from the Cyborg series, it features MUX Switch – this directly connects the discrete GPU to the display, bypassing the CPU and integrated GPU to enable even faster performance thanks to reduced latency and boosted frame rates.

Prices for the Vector GP series start at £1999.

Victory by Stealth

The Stealth series walks the tightrope between performance and portability, giving you the maximum possible power in a package that’s small and light enough to carry with you easily. Choose from 14 inches (for the ultimate in portability), 15.6 inches, 16 inches or 17.3 inches, depending on your need.

Stealth boasts a killer combination of gaming and business features for both work and play. And with up to i9-13900H with RTX 4080, you’ll never be left wanting. Prices start at £1799.

Conquer with Pulse

The Pulse series, meanwhile, is dripping with sci-fi stylings – perfect whether you’re playing the latest space-based shooters or streaming Avatar: The Way of Water. With up to i7-13700H with RTX 4070, its performance truly is out of this world. Prices start at £1699.

Katana craftsmanship

The Katana series is aptly named, as just like its namesake, it’s made using exquisite craftsmanship. Just like forging the Dragon Blade, it’s imbued with a spirit that gives it a timeless energy. And its four-zone RGB keyboard with lightened WASD and specially-designed keycaps will elevate your gaming to another level.

Again, there’s plenty of power on offer, with up to i7-13620H with RTX 4060 at your disposal. Prices start at £1499.

Cyber attack

Rounding off the range is the entry-level Cyborg series. It features a newly designed body with translucent black outlook and a slim and light body, making it the perfect portable gaming machine. Pack it with up to i7-12650H with RTX 4060, and you’ll be fragging your way through enemies before you know it. Prices start at £1249.

With laptops for all needs and budgets, MSI’s GeForce RTX 40 series is guaranteed to have something for you. And you can take advantage of the early bird bundle – buy one of the GeForce RTX 40 series gaming laptops, and you’ll get a free Steam voucher worth $50. Leave a review, and you’ll get another voucher of the same amount, making a total of $100!  Find out more at https://uk.msi.com/.

Can you believe that the PS5 is getting on for four years old now? Launched at the height of the pandemic, it provided gamers with some much needed escape during some pretty dark days. That is, if you could find one – its early days were plagued by stock shortages, though thankfully – like the pandemic – they are now a thing of the past.

Given its no spring chicken, Sony has breathed new life into the console with a new Slim variant. It's pretty much the same device but with a more lithe frame – no bad thing, given the PS5 was an imposing beast. Here's everything you need to know about the PS5 Slim.

Now all we need is that much-rumoured PS5 Pro to become real and we'll be happy.

• PS5 and Xbox gamers don't need 144Hz TVs – at least not yet
• Best PS5 deals: savings on consoles, games, controllers, bundles and more

PS5 release date

The PS5 Slim was announced at the start of October 2023, just shy of the PS5's third birthday. That's generally accepted to be mid-life territory for a modern console, even one that's rumoured to have "at least" a seven-year lifespan. But rather than buy its consoles a cardie and a pair of slippers once they enter middle age, Sony prefers to give them a new lease of life with one or maybe two new models. Think of it as the console equivalent of a midlife crisis.

That's what it did with the PS3 and PS4. The 2006 PS3 was followed by not only the PS3 Slim in 2009, but the PS3 Super Slim in 2012, while the PS4 (2013) was followed by the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro (both in 2016). So the PS5 Slim is following in a proud tradition.

It went on sale at the end of November 2023.

PS5 Slim price

Now, price. How much do you have to pay for a PS5 Slim?

Like the original PS5, the new PS5 comes in two variants – one with a disc drive, one without. The Digital Edition starts at £390 / $450 / AU$769, while the version with the disc drive costs £480 / $500 / AU$799. This is more expensive than the launch price of the original PS5 Digital Edition (£360 / $400 / AU$600) and Physical Edition (£450 / $500 / AU$750), but is in line with current PS5 prices as both models received a price hike earlier in 2023. 

The all-important detachable disc drive comes in at £100 / $80 / AU$159, meaning you'll save £10 / $30 / AU$129 if you decide to get the disc-drive included model from the get-go. 

Want the vertical stand to go with it, and show off how slim your new PS5 is? That's extra too. It costs £25 / $30 / AU$49.

Sadly, the console's launch prices still stand. But if you want a game or two to go with it, you could save money with a bundle, rather than buying them all separately.

Here are the best prices currently available.

PS5 Slim availability

The good news is that, so far, there's no sign of the stock shortages that plagued the original PS5's first year of life. In the UK, the PS5 Slim is in stock at Argos, Amazon, EE and Currys, among others.

It's the same story in the US. At time of writing, it's available at Best Buy, Target, Amazon and all the usual retailers.

And in Australia, you can pick one up at JB HiFi, Amazon and Harvey Norman.

PS5 Slim specs

The main selling point of the new PS5 is the slimmer profile, but it's also lighter than the original PS5. The Slim model is 30 per cent smaller and 24 per cent or 18 per cent lighter, depending if you opt for the version that includes the disc drive. Which is very welcome – the PS5 is the largest gaming console in history.

This is in keeping with previous 'Slim' models – the PS4 Slim was 40 per cent smaller than the original PS4, while the PS3 Slim was 33 per cent slimmer than the standard PS3, 36 per cent lighter, and 34 per cent more power efficient. Sony then went on to launch a PS3 Super Slim model, which managed to be 20 per cent smaller than the PS3 Slim, while tipping the scales at 25 per cent lighter.

You can buy the PS5's disc drive as an optional extra, if you buy the digital edition and start missing physical discs. And the PS5 Slim has 1TB of storage (up from 825GB) and it replaces the front USB-A port with a newer USB-C one, making for two front USB-Cs.

Soon the slim version will be the default, as Sony has confirmed that once all stock of the original PS5 has sold, only the Slim will be available. It's the future!

MORE:

Check out how to get the best picture and sound from your PlayStation 5

Find out where to buy a PS5

These are the best PS5 games around

Sony's "next-gen" console has been on shelves for nearly five years now; doesn't time fly when you're having fun? It's become home to a plethora of well-regarded titles, such as God of War: Ragnarock, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Astrobot, Gran Turismo 7 and more. It's even gained a few titles from its archnemesis, Xbox, in what's become a turning point in the so-called console war.

Just last year, Sony revealed a more powerful mid-generation upgrade called the PS5 Pro, which promises a whole host of picture, sound and gaming upgrades. It is also considerably more expensive than the regular PS5, which has been trimmed down thanks to a redesigned slim version that appeared in 2023.

So, the question is this: which PlayStation 5 should you buy? Will the standard model meet your needs, or will you be tempted by the Pro version? It depends what sort of gamer you are, and what type of home cinema kit you own will also play a role in your decision. We've pitted the two consoles against one another, and while we've yet to review the PS5 Pro, we scoped out its specs to see how it compares to the original.

 PS5 Pro: price and release date 

The PS5 Pro launched on 7 November 2024, and it carries a much higher price tag than its original model: £699 / $699 / AU$1,200, to be exact. These prices are for the digital-only version of the console, with the disc drive an optional extra that's sold separately for those who prefer physical media. 

This modular approach allows users to customise their console to their needs, which is nice, but it also means an additional cost for those wanting full functionality. The optional disc drive will set you back an extra £79 / $79 / AU$159, bringing the total cost for a fully-equipped PS5 Pro to £778 / $778 / AU$1,359. 

Enhanced capabilities (more on that down below) or not, we're looking at a painful premium compared to the current £479 / $499 and AU$800 retail prices for the disc drive-toting regular PS5 console. Whether or not you're willing to fork out the extra cash depends on how much you value the extra firepower.

PS5 Pro: design

The PS5 Pro maintains the futuristic aesthetic of its predecessor while introducing some notable changes. It shares the same height as the original PS5 but adopts the width of the current PS5 Slim model, potentially making it more manageable for those who found the original too bulky. Sony has also stuck with the distinctive white-and-black colour scheme, but added black stripes across the middle section, giving the Pro a slightly more aggressive, dare we say, sporty, appearance.

If you decide to splash out extra for the optional disc drive, you'll naturally be adding a little more bulk to the PS5 Pro's profile, but nothing too drastic. From what we've seen, it's a simple case of attaching it to the bottom right section (if vertical), and it comes with a sleek white cover to match the rest of the PS5 Pro's monochromatic ensemble.

Like the PS5 Slim, the Pro also features removable faceplates, allowing for easy customisation – a welcome addition for those who like to personalise their gaming set-up. In terms of connectivity, the port selection remains largely unchanged. You'll find USB-C ports on the front for convenient controller charging and peripheral connections, while the rear houses USB-A ports and an ethernet jack for wired internet connectivity.

Overall, we rather like the new look, and we're definitely happy to see things slimmed down a bit, despite the extra horsepower under the hood. Speaking of...

PS5 Pro: features and specs

• Best PS5 deals: savings on consoles, games, controllers, bundles and more

This is where the PS5 Pro does its best to justify its wallet-hitting price increase. At the heart of the revamped specs is an upgraded GPU that Sony claims has 67 per cent more compute units than the one found in the standard PS5. This significant increase in graphical processing power is also paired with 28 per cent faster memory. 

Overall, we're looking at around 45 per cent faster rendering for gameplay, which should translate to better visuals and performance. Of course, it's up to developers to make the most of this extra power, and we'll probably see PlayStation exclusives and first-party titles looking their absolute best, as developers are more likely to optimise things for Sony's console specifically. But either way, you can expect things to look prettier on the whole. 

The central processing unit (CPU) in the PS5 Pro retains the 8-core AMD Zen 2 architecture of its predecessor. However, it now features the ability to reach higher clock speeds when required, with a maximum frequency of 3.85GHz compared to the standard PS5's 3.5GHz. While this may not lead to dramatic improvements across the board, it could provide benefits in CPU-intensive scenarios.

Ray tracing capabilities have also been improved. Sony states that the PS5 Pro can handle ray tracing tasks up to three times more efficiently than the standard PS5. This enhancement should allow for more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in games that utilise this technology. PC gamers with high-end battlestations can attest to the extra eye candy that well-executed ray-tracing can provide, so colour us tentatively excited.

There's also a new feature introduced with the PS5 Pro – PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). This AI-powered upscaling technology aims to improve image quality by enhancing lower-resolution content. The potential benefit is the ability to run games at higher frame rates without significantly compromising visual fidelity. We've seen how well similar features like Nvidia's DLSS upscaling can work on PC titles, so again, this has the potential to drastically improve the PS5 Pro's gameplay experience.

Storage capacity has also been doubled, with the PS5 Pro featuring a gargantuan 2TB SSD. This increase should be massive news for those gamers who are forever shuffling things around and deleting titles to make extra room.

In terms of connectivity, the PS5 Pro supports the Wi-Fi 7 standard, an upgrade from the Wi-Fi 6 capabilities of the standard PS5. This could potentially offer improved download speeds and online gaming performance, provided users have compatible networking equipment.

The PS5 Pro's Game Boost feature also promises enhanced performance for backwards-compatible PS4 games, even without specific optimisation from developers. Sony claims this could benefit over 8,500 titles, potentially offering improved frame rates or resolutions. This is, of course, only noteworthy if you plan on playing a lot of older titles, but it's nice to have nonetheless.

On the AV front, the PS5 Pro includes support for 8K output. While practical applications for this feature may be limited at present due to the scarcity of 8K content and displays, it does provide a degree of future-proofing. 

As for other elements that will determine your movie-watching experience, it will, like the standard PS5, support HDR10. Sony has yet to bring Dolby Vision to its consoles though, and from what we can gather, there'll be no Dolby Vision on the PS5 Pro either, which may be disappointing for those looking to squeeze out the best possible viewing experience.

On the sound front, the PS5 Pro does support Dolby Atmos, albeit not for every application. While gamers can enjoy the more immersive sound experience offered by Atmos, we've seen nothing to suggest that Netflix and other PS5 Pro streaming apps will be updated to support Atmos. Currently, for example, the PS5 version of the Netflix and Amazon Prime Video apps don't support Dolby Atmos, which limits its use for those who want the very best AV experience possible for their set-up. You can, however, enjoy Atmos via Blu-ray discs, if you spring for the optional disc drive.

PS5 Pro: early verdict

And there you have it – everything you need to know about the PS5 Pro. Convinced? Unsure? It's okay. There's no rush.

We've yet to put the PS5 Pro through its paces ourselves, so we won't be passing definitive judgement until the ink has dried on our full in-depth review. Until then, there's no denying that the PS5 Pro brings extra power and features to the table, in a design that's more refined. 

How those specs translate to real-world benefits remains to be seen, and, given the hefty premium Sony is asking, it's hard to recommend pre-ordering at this stage (but there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing so if you're keen on that extra power). Either way, watch this space for our PS5 Pro review...

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Nintendo hasn’t released a console on a similar power level with other contemporary consoles since the Gamecube back in 2001 managed to eclipse the PS2. The Wii was nowhere near as powerful as the PS3, the Wii U’s power was closer to the PS3 when the PS4 was out, and the Switch has a fraction of the power of the PS4 (so is obviously miles off the performance of the PS5).

In terms of audio, Nintendo hasn’t been ahead of the game, either. While PS3 nearly 15 years ago managed to support true surround, Nintendo didn’t manage this until the Wii U in 2012. Today, the Switch is the only major console to rely on Bluetooth for wireless sound – Sony and Microsoft have both moved on to higher-quality, lower-latency alternatives.

The above is to say nothing of handhelds, where Sony’s PSP and PS Vita were significantly more powerful than Nintendo’s DS or 3DS hardware. To cut a long story short, Nintendo has been making games behind the graphical and audio curve for over 20 years. 

But I think this is going to change soon. No, Nintendo won’t be dropping a new console that outclasses the Series X, and it probably won’t even match the power of PS5, but I bet Nintendo’s next console is going to rocket the company’s game development into the modern era with hardware capable of running current-gen games and outputting high-quality audio.

So, sit back, relax, and strap in as I explain why I believe we won’t have to wait long for a powerful Nintendo console that will whet the appetites of AV-obsessed folks across the world.

The Switch in a post Steam Deck world 

Nintendo’s latest console, the Switch, launched back in 2017. The console was in many ways a technical masterpiece when it came out. The idea that a few years into the life cycles of the PS4 and Xbox One there could be a handheld that even approached the power of those consoles was almost black magic.

But a lot has changed since 2017, most relevantly so in 2022, when Valve launched the Steam Deck. The company's first foray into the world of handheld game consoles is itself a technical masterpiece, offering up hardware more powerful than the PS4 and capable of running current-gen games such as Elden Ring and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.

Coming packed with an AMD Zen 2 desktop-class processor, 16GBs of LPDDR5 RAM, an RDNA 2 GPU, and even NVMe SSD support on the 256GB and 512GB models, the Steam Deck is a powerful machine, particularly when you factor in that it primarily needs to perform at the relatively untaxing 1280 x 800 resolution of its built-in 7-inch screen. 

Compared with the Switch’s Maxwell-based GPU (from the GeForce 700 era) and simplistic ARM (think mobile phones and tablets) quad-core CPU alongside 4GBs of LPDDR4 RAM and eMMC storage, the Nintendo Switch is just lightyears behind the Steam Deck in terms of power. If the Switch is more powerful than the PS3 and Xbox 360 but less powerful than the Xbox One and PS4, the Steam Deck manages to outclass even the PS4 in terms of power and performance.

For fans of premium kit, the easy and often only choice here is the Steam Deck. You have much more power on offer and a lot more control over the look and feel of your games, while the Switch is stuck with comparatively simplistic graphics and performance, often locking games to 30fps and eschewing modern bells and whistles such as anti-aliasing and ambient occlusion. Of course, you won’t be playing games on Ultra settings at 4K with Steam Deck, but you can get quite a lot closer to that on Steam Deck than you can on Switch.

I believe the mere existence of Steam Deck bodes well for a next-gen Nintendo console that performance-hungry fans will fall in love with.

Nintendo’s next console 

We don’t have any official details about a new console from Nintendo just yet, but the speculation can be roughly broken down into two camps: the expectation that it will be a 'Switch 2' handheld device, and the expectation that it will actually be a next-gen, more traditional console more in line with the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

If Nintendo opts for a more traditional home console, that’s fantastic news for performance-hungry gamers. In the modern day, there’s just no reason that Nintendo couldn’t source relatively cheap hardware capable of outputting at 4K and offering up graphical fidelity that, at the very least, is in the general league of Series X and PS5.

PS5 and Series X launched back in 2020, and the hardware inside each will have been locked in at least a year before launch. A new Nintendo console will have the benefit of choosing from newer hardware with better performance, so even if Nintendo targets a more aggressive pricepoint like the brand usually does with hardware, the company can likely muster up quite a bit of power in terms of hardware, even if it doesn’t surpass PS5 or Series X.

Where it gets interesting is if Nintendo opts to go for a Switch 2 as the company’s next console. Steam Deck launched last year, 2022, which means that its powerful internals were locked in a year or two prior to the console hitting store shelves. Depending on when we can expect a new Nintendo console, more on that below, Nintendo could be working with even more powerful hardware than that of the Steam Deck.

What’s more is that Nintendo can do more with less, in terms of hardware, than Steam Deck can. Games aren’t designed for Steam Deck, they’re largely designed for Windows PCs but are run by the Deck using Valve’s Proton translation layer. While this whole process definitely works and can work quite well, it’s no substitute for games designed specifically for the hardware, so a Switch with the hardware of a Steam Deck could in theory produce even more impressive results.

When it comes to a possible Switch 2, it’s more than likely that there’ll be a massive power increase there from what we saw with the Switch, opening up a Switch 2 to be able to run current-gen PS5 and Series X games without too many compromises in terms of graphical fidelity or framerate.

Hi-fi on a Nintendo console, really? 

It’s more possible than you might think.

For starters, PS5 and Series X don’t support Bluetooth audio because of the limitations of the technology. Bluetooth audio introduces latency, and it can’t transmit losslessly, so headsets on PS5 and Series X rely on wireless Wi-Fi-based audio that doesn’t have those same audio quality and latency limitations.

But Nintendo Switch does rely on Bluetooth audio, naturally, because of its status as a portable device and not just a home console. However, the Bluetooth paradigm is changing, and it’s changing fast, which could be big news for a Switch successor. In terms of Bluetooth codecs, the hot new kids on the block are aptX Lossless and aptX Low Latency.

As you might expect, aptX Lossless enables the lossless transmission of audio over Bluetooth and can support audio streaming at up to 24-bit/96kHz, while aptX Low Latency enables Bluetooth transmission with up to a maximum of a 40-millisecond delay. These modern Bluetooth codecs could seriously upgrade the hi-fi capability of a Switch 2.

What’s more, though, are the possibilities of spatial audio. Series X relies on Dolby Atmos, while PS5 has its own custom 3D Audio solution. With a new Nintendo console on the horizon, there’s no reason why Nintendo couldn't consider adding in spatial support, especially considering the company tends to be just a generation behind in terms of audio performance.

The Wii didn’t support surround sound, though the PS3 during that generation did, while the Wii U managed to bring full-fat surround sound to the table, which the Switch also supports. Considering spatial audio has really only become mainstream in the gaming console world with the PS5/Series X generation of consoles, Nintendo would be right on track if it included its own spatial audio solution in its next console.

With a next-gen Nintendo console that could support traditional surround sound, spatial audio, lossless Bluetooth, and low latency Bluetooth, that would make Nintendo a serious competitor when it comes to hi-fi gaming, and all of this tech is only becoming cheaper and more mainstream with each passing day.

So, when is a new Nintendo console coming? 

Of course, the following is speculation. But let’s speculate away, shall we?

There was an 8-year gap between Xbox 360 and Xbox One, and there was a 7-year gap between the Xbox One and Xbox Series X. There was a 7-year gap between PS3 and PS4, while there was also a 7-year gap between PS4 and PS5. For Nintendo, the Wii U came out 6 years after the Wii, and the Switch came out 5 years after the Wii U.

Right now, it’s been 5 years since the Switch launched. In general, consoles tend to come out about 7 years after each other in the modern era, while Nintendo tends to have shorter cycles, considering its hardware is weaker than the competition. However, the Switch is massively successful, even for Nintendo, so it makes sense we’ll see a longer life cycle with it.

That said, we are definitely approaching the end of the Switch’s cycle. Back in 2017 when the Switch launched, it was significantly less powerful than PS4 and Xbox One. Even so, PS4 and Xbox One games did, with some sacrifices and some technical wizardry, appeared on the Switch – games such as Doom, the Witcher 3, and Diablo 3, to name a few.

Since the Switch’s launch, though, we’ve got the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X as well as the PS5 and Series X and S. Today, it’s much less possible to bring a current-gen game over to Switch, even with that same technical wizardry and ample compromises. Put simply, a game such as Cyberpunk is just not possible to run on Switch at any kind of acceptable performance or graphical fidelity level.

We do know, though, that Nintendo isn’t planning on releasing new hardware through the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2023. And we do know that we’re likely to have anywhere from a few months to a year of advertising and marketing and lead-up to a new console before we actually get that new console.

Since 2023 marks 6 years since the Switch released, a very solid expectation for a new console from Nintendo is 2024 with an announcement somewhere in 2023. 2024 might sound a little far off, but we’re rapidly approaching the new year, and it’s entirely possible that in the next 6 months we'll get a new hardware announcement from Nintendo.

Whatever Nintendo does next is almost guaranteed to massively increase the fidelity on offer compared with the Switch, bringing Nintendo games firmly into the modern day and giving fans of high-quality AV performance a good reason to buy Nintendo kit for the first time since the Gamecube’s release back in 2001.

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If you're buying a gaming TV, you might want to wait until 2023

Go, Cameron, go: why movies need more HFR filming

Microsoft will be increasing the price for titles made for its next-generation consoles beginning next year. In 2023, you can expect first-party Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X games to rise from $59.99 to $69.99 in the US - this includes highly anticipated upcoming titles like Starfield and Forza Motorsport.

This reflects prices currently in the UK, with the upcoming Forza Motorsport title available to pre-order for £69.99. Australia also sees a price increase on first-party titles next year, with the upcoming sci-fi role-playing game Starfield expected to cost AU$99.95.

Thankfully IGN reports that a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed that these titles will still release on Xbox Game Pass on launch day, meaning that this price increase is specifically for buying these titles outright. 

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer did foreshadow this price increase earlier in the year, stating that Xbox game prices would not rise before the 2023 holiday season, but that the company could not also retain the current price of games forever. According to the Microsoft spokesperson, the price increase reflects the "content, scale, and technical complexity of these titles." However, we suspect current levels of inflation have also influenced Microsoft's decision. 

There is no word on if the Xbox hardware prices will rise in line with these - it's worth noting that Sony raised the price on both PS5 consoles and games recently. Other companies such as Ubisoft and EA have also increased prices up to the $70/£70 price mark, making it a more expensive time than ever to get into next-generation gaming. 

So what's the best way to beat these inflated game prices? We'd seriously recommend taking a look at Xbox Game Pass Ultimate if it has somehow passed you by, as it's genuinely a great deal - especially considering these new titles will be put onto the service the same day they hit retail shelves. For the $70/£70/AU$100 asking price of one game, you could instead get around six months of Game Pass Ultimate, making it a much better deal than downloading the titles or purchasing physical copies; providing you have enough hard drive space.

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The PlayStation 5 might be around for a while yet, as Sony doesn't expect to launch a new console until at least 2027, a new document suggests.

The document (via Eurogamer) is Sony Interactive Entertainment's observations on the Competition and Market Authority's issues statement on Microsoft's bid to buy the Activision Blizzard gaming company. The acquisition would make Microsoft the third biggest games company in the world – a move that Sony objects to.

Sony's objections are laid out in this document. And one of them suggests the shelf life of the PS5 will be at least as long as its predecessor, the PS4.

The passage in question reveals that Sony expects to lose access to the Call of Duty franchise (which is made by Activision Blizzard) in 2027. It goes on to say that by the time Sony "launched the next generation of its PlayStation console... it would have lost access to Call of Duty and other Activision titles."

All of which suggests Sony won't launch a new console until at least 2027.

(A likely launch date of Sony's next console is stated within the document, but it's redacted.)

Sony fears that losing Call of Duty in 2027 would leave PlayStation "vulnerable to consumer switching and subsequent degradation in its competitiveness," the document says. In other words, by lacking one of the biggest selling gaming franchises, Sony's next console would be at a disadvantage versus Microsoft's next Xbox machine.

For the record, Microsoft has said that – should the deal go through – it will continue to release and support Call of Duty on PlayStation.

The PS5 launched in November 2020. If it was succeeded in 2027, it would match the seven-year shelf life of its predecessor, the PS4, which launched in 2013. (That wouldn't mean the PS5 stopped being sold or supported then.)

The PS5 suffered stock shortages for the first year and some change of its life, though these have mostly been resolved now.

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Cyber Monday is go and and we have good news – the PS5 is still in stock! No, we can hardly believe it either. Two years after the "biggest console launch of all time", gamers can actually buy a PlayStation 5 console. 

Looking around, we have no trouble finding PS5 stock bundles at multiple retailers in the UK, US and Australia. 

That said, the hunt for PS5 stock is still challenging – especially if you have your heart set on the disc edition. And as we head into the holiday season, the best PS5 deals could dry up faster than a puddle in the desert.

So, why is PS5 stock still scarce? And which retailers are the most active when it comes to PS5 restocks? Here’s our guide to bagging a PS5 console in the Cyber Monday sales…

Where to find PS5 stock on Cyber Monday

• Amazon: register now to pre-order PS5
• PlayStation Direct: PS5 disc + Digital Edition (PSN ID required)
• Walmart: God of War PS5 bundle in stock – $638
• ShopTo: God of War PS5 bundle in stock – £539
• Very: pre-order PS5 Digital + Spider-Man Miles Morales now
• Studio: PS5 Horizon Forbidden West, Call of Duty bundle still in stock
• Target: Black Friday PS5 accessory deals
• Best Buy: members get exclusive access to PS5 stock 
• Game: PS5 console + DualSense controller bundle in stock – £435
• BT Shop: PS5 disc + FIFA 23 (BT customers only)
• AO: PS5 + Just Dance for £505 (limited stock)
• GameStop: discount PS5 accessories and games

Today's best PS5 console deals (UK)

Today's best PS5 console deals (US)

Why is PS5 stock still sparse in 2022?

In September 2020, two months before the PS5's official launch, an online survey revealed that 12 percent of all Americans over the age of 13 planned to buy a PlayStation 5. As it turns out, that might have been a lowball estimate...

The first wave of PS5 pre-orders sold out in minutes. As Cyber Monday turned to Prime Day, PS5 restocks remained almost impossible to find in the UK, US and beyond. "Everything is sold. Absolutely everything is sold," Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan famously told Russian news outlet TASS.

Over the next 12 months, the underlying problems became all too clear: global supply chain delays, the ongoing chip crunch, and scalpers bulk-ordering PS5s to sell on at a profit. The result? Thousands of ordinary gamers were left PS5-less.

• PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition: which should you buy? 

The good news? As of November 2022 PS5 supply has improved, particularly in the case of the cheaper PS5 Digital Edition. A combination of cost-of-living concerns and the recent Sony price hikes seems to have boosted stock availability. You can now buy a PS5... just not necessarily at the retailer of your choice.

So, could we actually see a surplus of PS5 stock this Black Friday? Will prices hit rock-bottom? Not likely. 

The strength of the US dollar and the rocketing cost of materials has already started to put the squeeze on PS5 production, which partly explains why retailers continue to sell out of bundles in a day or two. That's better than a minute or two, but still not ideal.

To date, Sony has sold 25 million PlayStation 5 consoles worldwide, making the PS5 the fourth-fastest selling console in history topped only by the PS3, PS4 and Nintendo Wii. But how much better would the PS5 have sold if stock wasn't so limited?

Is now the right time to buy a PS5?

Yes.

PS5 stock is more readily available than ever, and the first discounts on PS5 bundles have landed (you can even save £20/$20 on PS5's DualSense Wireless Controller right now). 

Sony has added VRR to the PS5 too, so owners of the best gaming TVs, such as the LG C2, can expect ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay. The PS5 also has a great selection of entertainment apps, from Disney Plus (now with support for 4K HDR) to Apple Music.

In other words, if you have your heart set on Sony's next-gen console, and you have the cash to spare, Cyber Monday is a great time to score PS5 deals. They could be gone at any moment, so don't miss the boat...

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It's no secret that Microsoft's plans for a streaming-only Xbox have been put on ice. Now we know why: the company couldn't get the price under $129 (around £100 / AU$190). 

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer told The Verge’s Decoder podcast: "It was more expensive than we wanted it to be when we actually built it out with the hardware that we had inside".

The console giant had hoped to sell an Xbox streaming console bundled with a wireless controller for between $129 and $99. But after adding in the cost of the chips, the price tag ballooned to closer to that of the $299 / £249 / AU$499 Xbox Series S. Two Xbox products effectively competing with each other? Hardly ideal.

After making some tough decisions, the team behind project 'Keystone' (the codename for the streaming-only Xbox) was swiftly refocused on delivering the Xbox TV app, which launched earlier this year in partnership with Samsung and allows users to stream games on a smart TV without a console.

Rumours of a console-free streaming Xbox – originally said to look like an Amazon Fire TV Stick – began circulating in May. At the time, we told you how the device was tipped to offer "access to movie and TV services in addition to a library of games through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate."

Since then, Spencer has tweeted, then deleted, an image of a prototype gathering dust on a shelf (pictured above) and revealed that, although the streaming-only Xbox "worked really, really well", it could be "years away" from launch.

In the meantime, those who want to cloud stream Xbox games can do so via the Xbox TV app, available through selected Samsung smart TVs.

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With the PS5 stock issues of 2020 and 2021 all but over, Sony is treating gamers to more good news: the PS5 DualSense Edge wireless controller will launch globally on 26th January 2023.

According to PlayStation.Blog, pre-orders will begin on 25th October 2022 in the US, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg (while supplies last).

It's not cheap, though. The DualSense Edge carries a recommended retail price of £209.99 / $199.99 USD (around AU$375), putting it above Microsoft's high-end Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (£159.99 / $179.99 / AU$249.95).

In fairness, Sony claims that the DualSense Edge is the first "ultra-customizable" controller, and lets you "craft your own unique gaming experiences" thanks to the modular design.

Players can fine-tune the sensitivity of the sticks/triggers to their liking, remap the buttons in hopes of improving their reactions, and set up multiple control profiles for multiple games. All of this is apparently made possible by the "unique" on-controller user interface. 

The DIY-minded can even tweak the hardware itself: three changeable sets of stick caps and two changeable sets of back buttons ( both lever and half-dome) are supplied with the carry case.

The DualSense Edge wireless controller will make its debut just before the PlayStation VR 2 headset, which is due out in early 2023. There's also rumours that Sony will launch a PS5 Pro in 2023, so it could be a busy time for the Japanese giant.

After a cheaper accessory a bargain game? Check out our rundown of today's best PS5 deals. 

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Xbox was ahead of the curve when it came to supporting VRR for a while until PS5 just recently got the feature, but now, a new update to Xbox VRR is on the way that will give gamers greater flexibility. 

According to Xbox Insider Program Lead Brad Rossetti, members of the Insider program (an opt-in program where fans can test out new features, software updates, and in-development projects) recently got the ability to toggle VRR support on Xbox to a few different modes: Always On, Gaming Only, and Off.

Off, of course, means VRR will be disabled, while Always On means it will always be enabled. The biggest addition here is the Gaming Only mode, which will only enable VRR when you're playing games.

So, why wouldn't you want VRR always on? Well, you generally will want VRR always on, if your TV supports it, when you're playing games, because almost no video games are capable of maintaining a rock-solid framerate all the time without drops ever, and VRR will smooth out frame drops when they happen.

However, enabling VRR often requires you to disable a number of other picture quality-related features while you're using it, and if you're watching a movie or something on YouTube, you probably want the best-looking video possible. With this toggle, you can make sure that's always the case.

Despite PS5 being late to the VRR party, it had a similar function straight from the start. You can choose to enable VRR for supported games in your settings, while you can also choose to enable VRR for unsupported games, too. This neatly avoids forcing VRR on at all times.

There's no word yet on when this VRR update is going to go live for all Xbox owners and not just those in the Insider program, but it's a pretty obvious quality-of-life improvement, so we wouldn't expect you to have to wait too long.

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While we are some years away from a PlayStation 6, a revised version of the PS5 could be with us as soon as next year.

A redesigned PlayStation 5 with a detachable disc drive will arrive in September 2023, according to Insider Gaming, which says "sources familiar with Sony’s plans have shared details under the condition of anonymity".

The PS5s that have been in production since the console's launch in November 2020 have cycled through three slightly different bodies – 'chassis A', 'B' and 'C' – that have worked to improve things such as heatsink efficiency. The report suggests that this 2023 revision will sport a 'chassis D', with the detachable disc drive being the most significant design change. The rest of the hardware, it is understood, will be "almost identical".

This external, portable drive will supposedly connect to the console via an additional rear panel USB-C port and could therefore lead to the main body of the PS5 being slimmer and lighter. "It will not ruin the aesthetics of the console and will attach to it without looking external," the report reads, meaning that this new model could strongly resemble the current one when the drive is attached.

The site's anonymous sources have reportedly suggested that the console will be available both with or without the drive, presumably at different RRPs, though the drive will also be available to purchase separately in the event that it breaks and needs replacing.

This would mark the first true revision to the PS5 since its launch and could even be the answer to cries for a 'PS5 Slim', even if it will only be referred to that colloquially.

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PS5 might be heavier on your pocket but it's also lighter than ever

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We have already brought you news of Sony modifying the PS5, discreetly launching a lighter version. And now we have more meat to add to those bones.

According to YouTuber Austin Evans, courtesy of The Verge, we now have a better idea of the changes beneath its hood. His video breakdown of the new PS5, (or
model 1200 as it's also known), points to a number of internal changes. It appears the motherboard, cooling and SSD enclosure have all been updated, resulting in a PS5 that weighs 3.4kg. By comparison, the original PS5 launched back in November 2020 and weighed in at 3.9kg.

Evans also claims the refreshed PS5 apparently uses 20-30 watts less power during gaming compared with the original, while still producing around the same heat and sound levels. It is not immediately clear how Sony has achieved this; it could be a combination of all the internal tweaks made to the lighter model.

Evans also suggests that the introduction of these new parts will make producing the PS5 cheaper for Sony, despite the fact that the PS5 is having a price increase in certain global markets. 

With PS5 stock still in relatively short supply, could this refreshed console be Sony’s answer to getting the PS5 back on shelves in time for Christmas?

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The PS5 finally has 1440p support - how to enable it

Sony has finally enabled native 1440p (QHD) video output support on the PS5, a feature many have been waiting for since the console launched in November 2020. The PS5's latest update, released yesterday, includes this new graphics option, new ways to organise your games, a 3D audio comparison option and better ways to view friends’ profiles and notifications.

So why is native 1440p support important? While 1440p TVs are somewhat of a rarity, QHD gaming monitors are everywhere thanks to their resolution being higher than their 1080p counterparts and the fact they tend to cost less than dedicated 4K monitors. Alongside this, QHD monitors often include higher refresh rates, and with the PS5 supporting up to 120Hz, 1440p 120Hz monitors are often sat in the sweet spot of price and performance.

While the PS5 has always supported 1440p displays through downscaling 2160p (4K) to 1080p, and then the monitor upscaling to 1440p, this process hasn’t always been perfect. Processing an image this heavily can lead to visual artefacts, poorer graphical performance, and increased input lag. By removing this processing, the PS5 can send the signal in a format the monitor can accept natively, which should mean a snappier response time and better graphics. It's worth noting that some games will have dedicated 1440p support which will provide the best experience, but even games without this native support should see an improvement. The Xbox Series X launched at the same time as PS5 and had 1440p support from the off so it's good to see Sony's console finally catching up.

To enable 1440p support on the PS5, simply navigate to the settings menu and under 'Screen and Video' select 1440p under the 'Resolution' menu. Here you can test how your display handles 1440p with different refresh rates up to 120Hz, to ensure your monitor is up to the job.

Unfortunately, VRR is not supported on 1440p, with Sony stating that it is only compatible with 1080p and 4K resolution on the PS5. This could be due to most 1440p displays not using HDMI 2.1 ports which can handle 4K at 120Hz.

Other welcome AV features in this update include a way to compare 3D audio settings, by playing side-by-side audio samples to get your preferred Tempest 3D Audio preset. General quality of life improvements also include game lists for organising your downloaded titles and voice searching in the YouTube app.

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A new feature coming to the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will help to reduce background noise in party and game chats; combating those who like to blast music down the microphone or breathe right in your ear. 

Microsoft has launched the update today, stating that noise suppression will be enabled by default, but it can be disabled via the options menu in the “Parties & chats” tab in the guide. It’s designed to filter out ambient noises that your teammates’ headsets might pick up including breathing, control clicks and more - making online gaming a little less gross sounding, as well as helping you to stay focused.

Elsewhere in this update, there is a new way to launch or join a friend’s game. You can now jump into a game via shared captures, meaning a friend can send you a gameplay clip or match highlights, and you can play that game immediately after watching their clip. This feature seems focused on Xbox’s PC and cloud gaming platforms on mobile devices, furthering Microsoft’s expansion into the console-free gaming future it envisions. 

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Video games can seem like an expensive hobby. Consoles cost hundreds, while a nice TV can cost thousands, and then you need a sound system, maybe a headset, and, of course, you need games. And new AAA blockbuster games will run you $70 / £70 a pop, at the minimum, in the modern-day. The numbers start adding up quickly.

But games are far better value than they seem. In fact, playing games is much more economical than watching movies, and it’s not even a particularly close comparison. Pound-for-pound, when it comes to your hard-earned cash, playing a game is always going to make more sense than watching a movie.

If you’re frustrated, like me, with the nightly Netflix search for something to watch and you are done being extorted at the movie theatre for some popcorn and a drink, maybe it’s time to work playing some games into your entertainment routine…

Buying games vs buying movies 

If you want to pick up a 4K Blu-ray, that will set you back around $25 to $35 (£25 to £35) for between one and a half, and two and a half hours of entertainment on average. If you opt for a 1080p Blu-ray, you'll pay about half as much for the same amount of entertainment. If you want to buy a movie digitally (or rent it), you’re looking at prices similar to 1080p Blu-rays.

Let’s assume you buy only 1080p Blu-rays (or spend about the same money for the digital equivalent), and you manage to find every movie you want for $5 / £5 – not unreasonable for plenty of older movies. That will get you, roughly, two hours of entertainment per $5 you spend, and that’s being generous as not every movie will be $5.

$5 for two hours of entertainment, to me, is fairly horrifying value if you’re talking about video games. It’s easy to find a host of free-to-play games you can spend hundreds (even thousands for the truly hardcore) of hours with without spending a dime. Beyond that, there are thousands of older games (whether it’s secondhand console games on a disc or a digital PC game on sale) that you can spend $5, $10, or $20 on for those same hundreds or even thousands of hours.

This is a pretty far cry from that $5-for-two-hours rate you get with Blu-rays and digital downloads. Spend $20 on a game and get 50 hours of gameplay out of it, and it will set you back a miraculous $4 for 10 hours of entertainment. 

Of course, you won’t get hundreds of hours of gameplay out of every game you buy, just as you probably won't enjoy every movie you buy. Stuff happens, as they say. But the numbers are not close. Every time, the ceiling for how much time you can get out of even a short game will vastly outstrip the time you’ll spend watching a movie you buy, even if you rewatch the movie over and over.

Don’t even think about trying to save money by going to the movies. That is, undoubtedly, the worst possible value when it comes to getting the most entertainment for your money, especially when compared to playing a game.

Game subscriptions vs movie subscriptions 

No, not streaming – I’ll get to that. In many parts of the world, you can pay a monthly fee (usually directly to a chain of cinemas) to enjoy a certain number of movies (or sometimes unlimited movies) at the cinema a month. Usually, these will come with other benefits too, such as discounts and special offers.

Take AMC’s Stubs program in the U.S. This subscription service allows customers to spend $20 a month to see up to three movies a week, including Dolby Cinema, IMAX, and 3D movies. This comes in addition to your familiar offers and discounts, and makes going to the movies a much, much cheaper thing to do regularly. 

Odeon in the U.K. offers a similar deal with its myLIMITLESS subscription, where you pay £15 a month for unlimited viewings at Odeon theatres alongside other familiar benefits.

Let’s assume you see all the movies a week you can, and don’t spend anything extra on popcorn or drinks or anything else. Heck, let’s assume you’re seeing huge, epic films every week too, clocking in at three hours per movie. That comes out to around 36 hours of entertainment a month for $20 (or £15). Of course, this won’t factor in the time or money you spend transporting yourself to the cinema.

But spending $20 (or £15) on a game and getting more than 36 hours of entertainment out of it is an extremely realistic goal, even for an exceedingly casual gamer.

The margins are a bit closer here than they are between buying a game and buying a movie, but still, on average, this isn’t an especially close fight. If value is what you are looking for, games are the clear winner. Spend less time traveling, less money, and get even more entertainment, too – the definition of a win-win if you care about value when it comes to art.

Game streaming vs movie streaming 

Okay, so what about Netflix? It’s a cheap monthly fee, you don’t have to wait for shipping or go outside, and you can watch hour after hour after hour of content. There’s no denying that Netflix’s massive catalog of stuff to watch will take you quite the eternity to get through. 

If you’ve got an unlimited selection of movies and shows to watch, there’s a lot to see; but the more you watch, the harder it will be to find worthwhile stuff to watch. Maybe if you are hopping between long TV shows this won’t be a big deal, but for movies, it’s certainly a concern – and even for epic TV shows, eventually you’ll run out. 

The proposition is very different with a service such as Xbox’s Game Pass. There are many, many games to choose from for a low monthly fee; new games are added all the time (often as they release); and each game could give you dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of hours of entertainment. Yes, the list is finite, too, so you can eventually run out of games, but you could work your way through the Game Pass catalog for years without ever feeling as though you are lost in the weeds, spending more time searching for something to do than actually doing things. Which is not the case with a service such as Netflix. 

Sure, you can bounce between streaming services, perhaps, forever, and if all you want to do is watch movies and TV shows, well, live your truth. 

But if you’re like many of us out there and hate the endless searching for something new to consume and you wish you could just finish work and load up your preferred form of entertainment and get immediately into it, video games are an unbelievably time and cost-effective way to be entertained.

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Sony recently made the news with its PS5 price hike coming to some markets due to, according to Sony, "the global economic environment, including high inflation." On top of this, Sony's latest PS5s are expected to be about 13% lighter than the original models, which comes from eagle-eyed Twitter user @Renka_schedule.

When the PS5 launched, it was an especially heavy console with the Disc Edition coming in at 4.5kg (9.9lbs) and the Digital Edition coming in at 3.9kg (8.6lbs). However, reports on the new PS5s SKUs on the way are slated to be 3.9kg (8.6lbs) and 3.4kg (7.5lbs), making the new Disc Edition PS5 as light as the original Digital Edition PS5.

These changes to PS5 come after 2021's minor redesign that also lightened both consoles in comparison to the original. Last time, the heatsink inside PS5 was redesigned to be smaller and lighter while improving heat dissipation. With the latest revision, it's not currently clear exactly where the weight gains are made this time around.

Some speculate that a move towards 6nm production of the CPU inside PS5 combined with some level of internal redesign to accommodate this change is why we're seeing the new PS5s even lighter than 2021's PS5s, but we'll know more when new PS5s get into the hands of actual consumers.

Given the track record of PS5 getting lighter every year, we may well see a boundary-pushing, weightless PS5 Slim hit the market in the coming decade, but we'll have to wait and see. Let's just hope the price of future consoles doesn't continue to go in the opposite direction.

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Sony has raised the price of the PS5 in some markets. The UK and Australia are among those to see higher prices for the console, which Sony blames on the "global economic environment, including high inflation."

This will be a blow to gamers now that the PS5 is finally in stock more often, after suffering supply issues for nearly two years since launch.

UK punters can expect to pay £479.99 for the standard PS5, and £389.99 for the PS5 Digital Edition without a Blu-ray disc drive (up from £449.99 and £359.99 respectively). Australia is also seeing the prices rise to AU$799.95 and AU$649.95 (up from AU$749.95 and AU$599.95). 

Prices are also going up in Europe, Japan, China, Mexico and Canada. The US price remains unchanged.

"While this price increase is a necessity given the current global economic environment and its impact on SIE’s business, our top priority continues to be improving the PS5 supply situation so that as many players as possible can experience everything that PS5 offers and what’s still to come," Sony wrote in a blog post announcing the move.

It says the price rises are effective immediately (though Japan's won't come into effect until 15th September). At the time of writing, UK retailers are still listing the old price, so if you get in quick (assuming they have stock) you might avoid the hike.

Sony recently announced a new controller for the console. The DualSense Edge is the equivalent of Microsoft's Xbox Elite Controller for Xbox Series X and S and an alternative to controllers made by third-party manufacturers like Scuff.

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Sony has announced the DualSense Edge, the "first-ever high-performance, ultra-customizable controller" for the PS5. It's the equivalent of Microsoft's Xbox Elite Controller for Xbox Series X and S and an alternative to controllers made by third-party manufacturers like Scuff.

For fans of premium controllers, the DualSense Edge's list of features will feel familiar. You'll be able to remap your controls on the fly, adjusting sensitivity, and you'll even be able to adjust the travel distances and dead zones of your triggers, allowing for faster inputs when playing games.

You can also save your custom tweaking as unique profiles so you could have one for your favourite shooter and another for your favourite sports game. You can swap profiles with the dedicated Fn button on the DualSense Edge which also allows you to adjust volume, chat balance, and tweak settings all with a single press. 

The DualSense Edge comes with three different types of swappable stick caps (standard, high dome, and low dome) to choose from. The back buttons are also remappable and swappable – you can pick between half-dome and lever designs.

Conveniently, you'll also be able to fully replace sticks on the DualSense Edge, so you won't have to worry about any complicated repair process. And you get the standard suite of DualSense features, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, and motion controls.

In the box, there's a braided USB-C cable and a carrying case to protect your new pride and joy. Currently, the only things missing are a launch date and pricing, though Sony promises these details are coming in the next few months. Other controllers like the DualSense Edge tend to retail around the $150 (£150) mark, so we'd expect a similar price, but we'll have to wait and see.

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Sony's next PS5 VR headset will land early next year. Sony announced the news in a tweet from the official PlayStation Japan account.

The tweet translates as simply: "Early 2023 release #PSVR2"

Sony announced the headset back in January and has since been drip-feeding us tidbits about it. These include images of the design in February, more than 20 launch titles in May, and news of a Cinematic Mode in July.

Cinematic Mode offers a flat virtual screen for movies and non-VR games, whereas VR mode is for gaming in 360 degrees. The former tops out at 1080p (with HDR support), while VR mode serves up visuals in 4K.

That's thanks to the PlayStation VR2's 4K OLED screens equipped with HDR support and 90Hz/120Hz refresh rates. They combine to create a 110-degree field of view with a display resolution of 2000x2040 pixels per eye.

PSVR2 also promises improved tracking of both your head and your controller, courtesy of cameras embedded in the VR headset. Look one way and it'll be reflected in the game without needing an external camera.

It brings new sensory features, too. The headset vibrates thanks to haptic feedback, so if you get shot in the game, a vibration will let you know about it. Or during a tense part of the action, your headset will throb along with the character's pulse.

New eye tracking also lets you carry out certain actions just by looking. So you could glance down to the left to reload your weapon, for example. And a see-through mode will let you use front cameras to see your surroundings without taking the headset off, so you can find your controller, say – think of it as like talk through or ambient aware mode on a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but for visuals, rather than audio.

Apple is rumoured to be working on a VR headset of its own. The latest rumours say it could launch in January 2023, so that might be a busy time in the VR space.

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Asus' 42-inch gaming monitor is officially available to pre-order in the UK, reports flatpanelshd.

The ROG Swift PG42UQ – a 4K OLED monitor with an overclocked 138Hz refresh rate – debuted at CES earlier this year. After much speculation, it's now listed on Amazon UK for the princely sum of £1399 (around $1700 / AU$2500) with a waiting time of "1 to 2 months". 

The PG42UQLG will likely go toe-to-toe with some of the best gaming TVs on the market including our current favourite, the LG C2. But, as Asus points out, the PG42UQ is a 'proper' gaming monitor.

Whereas OLED TVs have a glossy finish that can be distracting for gamers, the PG42UQ uses a clever "Micro-texture coating" that reduces glare in the hope of delivering a more immersive experience.

Asus has beefed up the internal cooling, too. While TV makers sometimes cap brightness levels in order to slow down pixel burnout, Asus has installed a custom heat-sink that "ensures 8% lower temperatures for OLED longevity".

Brightness is said to peak at 900 nits. By comparison, LG's C2 is thought to max out at 750 nits.

To ensure the gamer-grade monitor appeals to both console and PC fans alike, Asus has added two HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 48Gbps bandwidth, in addition to two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 connector and a USB hub.

There are plenty of other gamer-friendly niceties – a tripod socket on the top for fixing a webcam, FreeSync and G-Sync support, etc  – but don't expect a TV tuner or built-in access to streaming services like Netflix. HDR support is limited to HDR10, which seems a shame.

Still, if mind-blowing graphics, tear-free gaming and super-efficient cooling are top of your list, the 42-inch ROG Swift PG42UQ should be worth eyeing up. Want a bigger screen? The 48-inch version is currently listed for £1499 (around £1800 / AU$2600) on Amazon.

Not to be outdone, Samsung has launched The Odyssey Ark – a massive 55-inch monitor with curved display powered by pricey Quantum Mini-LED technology. A snip at £2599 / $3500 / AU$4000.

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