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ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Launch Date Set For October, Features Steam Deck-Style Compatibility
Game Updates

ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Launch Date Set For October, Features Steam Deck-Style Compatibility

by admin August 20, 2025



A release date for the ROG Xbox Ally has been revealed, as the handheld gaming PC will be go on sale starting October 16. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed pricing for the devices yet, but it did explain how games will be optimized for these systems. One thing to note here is that there will be two different versions of the ROG Xbox Ally–a base model and a more premium “X” handheld–so performance will vary across them.

During its Gamecom 2025 livestream, Microsoft said that the base model Xbox Ally targets a resolution of 720p, while the Xbox Ally X aims for a 1080p resolution. Both units can run in one of three modes–Silent, Performance, and Turbo–and for frame rates, games that hit certain benchmarks will receive a specific compatibility tag.

Microsoft says that it has worked with game studios to optimize thousands of games for handheld compatibility, with the overall goal here being that you can install them and start playing right away. This has resulted in two tags that will accompany optimized games, similar to Valve’s Steam Deck Verified program for its handheld gaming PC:

Handheld Optimized

Games that are ready to go with default controller inputs, an intuitive text input method, accurate iconography, clear text legibility, and appropriate resolution in full-screen mode.

Mostly Compatible

Games that may require minor in-game setting changes for an optimal experience on handheld.

Additionally, there’ll be other tags that will give you an idea of how well a game will perform on the Xbox Ally:

Should perform well on your device

  • Games that run at 30fps or above

Should perform great on your device

  • Games that run at 60fps or above

Performance check not available yet

  • Games that haven’t been tested yet

Microsoft added that more technical features will also be made available in the future, including advanced shader delivery that preloads game shaders during download. This will make games run more smoothly and use less battery power on first play. Enhancements to the docking experience for the devices are also in the works and several accessories will be released for it as well.

The company also recently spoke about how handheld consoles like the Xbox Ally tie into its next-gen console plans, as Microsoft is looking to create a broad ecosystem for players that will allow them to play their games at home or on the go.



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August 20, 2025 0 comments
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Operators and DAWG scorestreak in action in Black Ops 7 Multiplayer.
Esports

Black Ops 7 release date, platforms, early access, open beta, and gameplay reveal

by admin August 20, 2025


The official Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 release date has finally been confirmed, giving fans a clear look at when they can jump into the next chapter of Treyarch’s iconic series. Alongside the launch date, Activision has revealed key details about supported platforms, early access opportunities, and what players can expect based on the gameplay showcase.

From Campaign and Multiplayer to the return of Round-Based Zombies, Black Ops 7 promises to be an exciting entry in the subseries. Whether you’re a veteran of the franchise or a newcomer eager to dive in, here’s everything you need to know about BO7.

Black Ops 7 release date and platforms

Plenty of time to gear up. Image via Activision

As confirmed during the Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025, Black Ops 7 will officially launch on Nov. 14, 2025, marking the return of Treyarch and Raven’s collaborative development for the Black Ops subseries. The game will release across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Battle.net, Steam, and Xbox app). Players who subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass will be able to play the title from day one as part of the subscription service.

While there has been speculation about a possible launch on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, Activision has confirmed that the game will not be available for the console at release. However, the company has not ruled out future support for Nintendo’s hardware.

Black Ops 7 early access and open beta dates

Players eager to try the game ahead of launch will get their chance during the early access and open beta sessions taking place in early October. The early access beta begins on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 12pm CT and runs through Sunday, Oct. 5, lasting 72 hours. Immediately after, the open beta kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 12pm CT and continues until Wednesday, Oct. 8, also spanning 72 hours.

Get a firsthand experience. Image via Activision

Early access is reserved for those who pre-ordered the game on any platform, console or PC, as well as eligible Game Pass subscribers. The open beta, on the other hand, will be completely free and available to everyone across all platforms.

This testing phase will mark the first opportunity for players to explore the new maps and experience the updated gameplay systems firsthand.

Black Ops 7 gameplay reveal highlights

BO7 Co-op Campaign

Set in 2035, Black Ops 7 pushes the series forward with its signature mix of near-future combat, political tension, and psychological twists. Players take on the role of David “Section” Mason (reportedly portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia), now at the helm of a JSOC unit tasked with dismantling a covert organization known as The Guild. Along the way, the campaign revisits familiar and new characters such as the notorious Raul Menéndez and The Guild’s CEO Emma Kagan, while missions span diverse backdrops including futuristic Japan, the sunlit Mediterranean coast, and mind-bending sequences that blur the line between reality and the human psyche.

Jump into the campaign with your friends. Image via Activision

For the first time in Black Ops history, the Campaign supports both solo play and drop-in co-op for up to four players. Every kill, completed objective, and milestone contributes to a unified global XP progression system that seamlessly carries over between Campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies, as well as Warzone, ensuring that all modes feel interconnected and rewarding.

The Co-op Campaign concludes with Endgame, a bold new mode that goes beyond a traditional final mission. Designed as a replayable experience, Endgame challenges squads to survive relentless encounters, adapt to unpredictable scenarios, and fully utilize the personalized abilities unlocked throughout the campaign. With each run offering fresh progression and surprises, players can also explore the wider world of Avalon beyond the structured missions.

BO7 Multiplayer

Multiplayer continues to be the core of CoD, and Black Ops 7 delivers with a robust lineup of 16 brand-new maps built for classic 6v6 action, complemented by two expansive 20v20 Skirmish maps. 

Player movement has been overhauled with the enhanced Omnimovement system, giving matches a smoother, more responsive feel. While it avoids returning to the over-the-top sci-fi mechanics of past titles, like jetpacks and full wallrunning, it does include a wall jump mechanic for added mobility. Additionally, the removal of the default Tactical Sprint further refines pacing and balance on the battlefield.

You can also look forward to an arsenal of new weapons, scorestreaks, equipment, field upgrades, perks, and hybrid combat specialties designed to open up new strategies and ways to dominate Multiplayer.

BO7 Zombies

No Call of Duty entry feels whole without Zombies, and Black Ops 7 proudly revives the classic Round-Based Zombies format that first made the mode a fan favorite. Treyarch has teased this version as their most ambitious yet, promising larger, more intricate maps, hidden Easter eggs for dedicated hunters, and a narrative arc that runs deeper than ever before.

Beyond undead slaying, the game also reintroduces Survival maps and Dead Ops Arcade 4, while expanding customization with a wide arsenal of new weapons, attachments, and a robust camo progression system that seamlessly carries across every mode.

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August 20, 2025 0 comments
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No Hollow Knight: Silksong release date announcement today as Special Announcement is scheduled for Thursday
Game Reviews

No Hollow Knight: Silksong release date announcement today as Special Announcement is scheduled for Thursday

by admin August 19, 2025


A Hollow Knight: Silksong “Special Announcement” is planned for Thursday, with the video set to run on YouTube at 3.30pm BST on 21st August.

Watch on YouTube

The news of a “Special Announcement” on Silksong comes after speculation (not unwarranted) that the game would be shown off during Gamescom ONL tonight, with a release date potentially being revealed.

Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier‬ posted on Bluesky to confirm that Silksong would not be having its release date revealed tonight:

“No, Silksong’s release date will not be announced today at Gamescom Opening Night Live, despite Geoff Keighley’s teasing,” read the post.

Game Features

  • Discover a whole new kingdom! Explore coral forests, mossy grottos, gilded cities and misted moors as you ascend to the shining citadel at the top of the world.
  • Engage in lethal acrobatic action! Wield a whole new suite of deadly moves as you dance between foes in deadly, beautiful combat.
  • Craft powerful tools! Master an ever-expanding arsenal of weapons, traps, and mechanisms to confound your enemies and explore new heights.
  • Solve shocking quests! Hunt down rare beasts, solve ancient mysteries and search for lost treasures to fulfil the wishes of the downtrodden and restore the kingdom’s hope. Prepare for the unexpected!
  • Face over 150 all-new foes! Beasts and hunters, assassins and kings, monsters and knights, defeat them all with bravery and skill!
  • Challenge Silk Soul mode! Once you conquer the kingdom, test your skills in an all-new mode that spins the game into a unique, challenging experience.
  • Experience a stunning orchestral score! Hollow Knight’s award-winning composer, Christopher Larkin, returns to bring melancholy melodies, symphonic strings and heart-thumping, soul strumming boss themes to the adventure.

This is a news-in-brief story. This is part of our vision to bring you all the big news as part of a daily live report.



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August 19, 2025 0 comments
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Black Ops 7 release date spotted in the wilds ahead of Call of Duty's latest Gamescom blowout
Game Updates

Black Ops 7 release date spotted in the wilds ahead of Call of Duty’s latest Gamescom blowout

by admin August 19, 2025


True to the game’s billing as the twistiest of duty-shooters, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s release date trailer appears to have leaked ahead of a possible Gamescom Opening Night Live showing tonight. The new FPS will launch on 14th November, close to a month after rival Battlefield 6’s release on October 10th. Also, it appears to have jet packs and mechs.

The leak comes care of that ever-dependable source of military intelligence, a video advertisement that seems to have been accidentally published early. The ad has now been removed, but not before CharlieIntel spotted it and shared it on the Xeetbox, along with some thoughts based on the user’s own pre-release access. “Just to tone down expectations, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 does not have jet packs or double jumps as part of its movement,” CharlieIntel claims. Alas for Black Ops 3 and Halo: Reach players. Good news, I guess, for people who relish the ‘omnimovement’ of Black Ops 6.

Here is what we know of Call of Duty: Bleven for sure: it requires secure boot, to avoid cheaters. It’s got the usual co-op, zombies and competitive multiplayer bits. The campaign is set in 2035, hence the mechs and jet packs, and expands upon the global calamities unleashed in Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 6. It sees grizzly grumbleface David Mason chasing after an enigmatic new foe who “weaponise fear”. There will probably be hallucinations and other Manchurian Candidate-esque horseplay to wash down the gadgets and gunnery.

As reported by VGC, today’s release date whoopsie corroborates a previous leak that also included a price tag for the Standard Edition – $70 or €80 – with a Vault Edition priced at $100 or €110. If legit, this means that Microsoft has still yet to cross the Rubicon and raise the game’s base US price to $80, as they tried to do with The Outer Worlds 2 until the internet started screaming at them.

Check out our Gamescom 2025 event hub for all the PC game announcements and preview coverage from Cologne.



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August 19, 2025 0 comments
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Leaked Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 release date suggests there's still no Nintendo Switch 2 version at launch
Game Reviews

Leaked Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 release date suggests there’s still no Nintendo Switch 2 version at launch

by admin August 17, 2025


Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will reportedly release on 14th November, 2025, and there’s still no Nintendo Switch 2 release planned.

That’s according to noted and highly reliable Dealabs leaker billbil-kun, who suggests the latest instalment of Activision’s tentpole franchise will be coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series, but will not be available on Switch at launch.

Why Tiktok Thirsts over Call of Duty’s Ghost.Watch on YouTube

We noted Nintendo Switch 2 was notably absent from the launch platform line-up when the game was revealed during Summer Games Fest, running counter to Microsoft’s 10-year promise to launch Call of Duty on Nintendo platforms on “the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity” if its gargantuan $69 billion offer to buy Activision Blizzard was approved. Which it was, of course.

At the time, however, sources confirmed to Eurogamer: “We’re committed to getting the franchise on Switch. Both teams [are] working on it. Will share details when ready.”

Dealabs posits that all this release information will be confirmed at next week’s Gamescom, including news of a physical release (with a disc included) and pre-orders set to go live on 20th August, following a reveal the night before at Opening Night Live. While U.S./UK pricing has yet to be leaked or confirmed, the leaker suggests it’ll retail for €79.99 in Europe. Xbox has, of course, previously pledged not to raise prices past $70 USD.

Former Activision Blizzard president Mike Ybarra thinks Battlefield 6 will “boot stomp” Call of Duty this year, and that this will push the CoD series to stop being “lazy”.



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August 17, 2025 0 comments
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Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 gets firm PS5 release date, and a 60fps mode at last
Game Reviews

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 gets firm PS5 release date, and a 60fps mode at last

by admin June 26, 2025


The Enhanced edition of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 now has a release date across PS5 and existing platforms.

As revealed in May, the Hellblade sequel will arrive on PS5 this summer. That’s now confirmed to be 12th August.

This Enhanced version will be available as a free update on the same day across Xbox Series X/S and PC (Windows, Steam).

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced – Release Date TrailerWatch on YouTube

This version of the game will finally include a Performance Mode, optimised for 60 fps. On its original release, the game only ran at 30fps.

Other new features include: a return of the Dark Rot permadeath mode from Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, which sees the Dark Rot growing each time Senua fails; an expanded toolset for the Photo Mode; and behind the scenes developer commentary.

As previously reported, the PS5 version will include haptic feedback using Sony’s DualSense controllers.

This Enhanced version of Hellblade 2 will arrive in two editions. The Standard Edition, available at £49.99, includes the base game with these new Enhanced features.

The Deluxe Edition, priced at £69.99, will additionally include previous game Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice optimised for PS5, as well as the soundtrack.

Those who bought Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice on PS4 on its original release will be able to upgrade to the PS5 version for free.

Further details can be found on Xbox Wire.

“Hellblade 2 continues Senua’s story with grace, confidence, surprising brutality and thundering conviction,” reads our Eurogamer Senua’s Saga review.

It was the most-nominated game at this year’s BAFTA Game Awards, and won the award for Technical Achievement.



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June 26, 2025 0 comments
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The Painkiller Reboot Gets An October Launch Date
Game Updates

The Painkiller Reboot Gets An October Launch Date

by admin June 25, 2025


At the final, all-virtual E3 in 2021, Koch Media announced a reboot of the 2004 shooter Painkiller was in development. Today, we learned players will make their return trip to Purgatory on October 9. 

While the original Painkiller was created by Outriders/Bulletstorm developer People Can Fly, this modern reimagining – simply titled Painkiller – is made by Anshar Studios and published by 3D Realms. Despite the change in creators, the new game shares thematic similarities with its predecessor. Players are trapped in Purgatory and must fight their way out to prevent the fallen angel, Azazel, from invading Earth. Instead of controlling a single protagonist, however, the first-person shooter lets players select from four playable characters: Ink, Void, Sol, and Roch, each with distinct traits. 

Painkiller can be played alone, but it also features three-player online co-op. In addition to blasting apart demons with a variety of supernaturally-enhanced firearms (both classic and new), you can upgrade abilities using tarot cards. 

 

Painkiller will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on October 9. A Standard Edition of the game costs $39.99, and pre-ordering it earns you the Iron Crusade skin pack for characters and weapons. A Deluxe Edition runs for $49.99 and includes the skin pack plus three post-launch DLCs that will include additional character/weapon skins. 



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June 25, 2025 0 comments
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Little Nightmares 3 gets October release date and there's an enhanced edition of the original on the way
Game Reviews

Little Nightmares 3 gets October release date and there’s an enhanced edition of the original on the way

by admin June 25, 2025



It’s been an eventful news day for fans of adorably sinister horror series Little Nightmares. Not only has the upcoming third instalment received a 10th October release date on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and – as newly confirmed – Switch 2, publisher Bandai Namco has announced an Enhanced Edition of the original game, and a brand-new VR instalment.


Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition, which seems as good a place as any to start, promises a bit of a glow-up for developer Tarsier Studios’ acclaimed 2017 original. This time around, players can experience raincoat-wearing protagonist Six’s strange, dark escape from the mysterious, floating Maw at 4K resolution and 60fps. There’s also talk of “RTX reflections, water effects, more particles, and volumetric lighting”, plus a choice between Quality and Performance modes, depending on whether you prefer to prioritise visuals or framerate.


Bandai Namco has given Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition an official launch date of 10th October, but it’s available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC right now for anyone that pre-orders developer Supermassive Games’ Little Nightmares 3. Switch 2 is also getting the Enhanced Edition, but not until October.

Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition comparison video.Watch on YouTube


As for that VR version, it’s title Little Nightmares: Altered Echoes and… that’s pretty much all we know so far. Bandai Namco is yet to confirm a developer, even the platforms it’s targeting, but we do get a 45-second announcement trailer to tide us over. “Every step echoes closer,” the publisher teases, “does this tune sound familiar, little ones?” Also promising is the newly teased Little Nightmares stop-motion project, which looks eerily beautiful in its brisk reveal trailer, although there’s no hint as to when or even where this might eventually show up. Is it related to the Little Nightmares TV show announced back in 2017? Time will tell.


So to recap: Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition is out now for those that pre-order Little Nightmares 3, otherwise both games launch on 10th October. Little Nightmares: Altered Echoes, meanwhile, exists, and there’s not much else to say. As to what original Little Nightmares developer Tarsier Studios is up to now, having walked away from the series after part 2, that’ll be Reanimal. It’s another kids-in-dark-places horror adventure (but with added co-op) that’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC later this year.



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June 25, 2025 0 comments
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Dune Awakening is the perfect blend of survival, MMORPG, and house envy
Game Reviews

Dune Awakening worms its way past one million sales, Funcom’s best performing game to date

by admin June 24, 2025


Dune Awakening has passed one million sales, making it the best performing Funcom game ever.

Just 18 days since the early adopter launch, the game has managed to do what Conan Exiles took a year to achieve. Even now, the game is pulling in roughly 175,000 concurrent player peaks.

In an infographic released alongside the milestone announcement it’s been revealed players have been eaten by worms 816,720 times, 628,807 deaths have occurred in the game’s endgame PvP Deep Desert, and 121,941 guilds have been formed among other interesting tidbits

Watch our video review here!Watch on YouTube

The game kicked off to a mighty start and has shown little sign of losing momentum. It blasted past 142,000 concurrent players on 10th June following its public release. There’s been a little bit of controversy via the PvP Deep Desert, as many players aren’t finding the fun in perilous free-for-alls. The director initially stood firm on the direction of the endgame, but has earlier today announced plans to expand the PvE portion of this region.

Alongside this future change to the Deep Desert, hints at what future major content updates will look like have also been revealed. We know every three-to-four months a Hagga-Basin-style map should be added, which should do wonders for the crowd who like popping back in to play every once in a while.

If you’re curious about whether you’ll enjoy Dune: Awakening, why not check out our review. “Dune: Awakening is a harsh survival game, an intriguing RPG, and a fierce open world PvP game all in one,” it reads. “Somehow, it pulls it off.”



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June 24, 2025 0 comments
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Here's the entire soundtrack for Europa Universalis 5 even though the grand strategy game doesn't have a release date yet
Product Reviews

Here’s the entire soundtrack for Europa Universalis 5 even though the grand strategy game doesn’t have a release date yet

by admin June 22, 2025



Europa Universalis V – Original Soundtrack – YouTube

Watch On

You can now listen to the entire soundtrack for grand strategy game Europa Universalis 5, as it’s been posted to YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Composed by Håkan Glänte, the music spans a lot of history and a lot of Europe in an impressive 26 tracks lasting nearly two hours.

As you might imagine, it’s a suitably grand soundtrack for a game that will encompass nearly 500 years of human history, from the medieval world through the early modern period. It focuses on a lot of orchestral pieces, with recognizable inspirations from medieval, renaissance, and baroque music.

There’s even a fitting bit of Bach in there, with an added vocal track above it—Gloria Patri On Bach’s Cello Suite No.1 in G major, BWV 1007: I.Prélude. How pleasantly iconic. (Not sarcasm—trust me, you’ll probably recognize the tune if you hear it. It’s at 38:08 in the YouTube video.)


Related articles

For hardcore fans of grand strategy games there may have been a little apprehension over the upcoming soundtrack. Andreas Waldetoft, the composer behind the brilliant soundtracks of over a decade of Paradox Development Studio releases, left his exclusive arrangement with Paradox in 2023. Waldetoft’s soundtrack for previous Paradox games were much-beloved.

However, like Håkan Glänte’s previous tracks with Paradox for Victoria 3, this one’s pretty dang good. I’ll let you give it a listen before you decide if it lives up to the legacy, fellow strategy meganerds, but for me it’s another good set with a few true standouts that’re going right on my “good game music” playlist. No, I won’t give it a better name, it has been named that since 2005 and I am now completely set in my ways.

In a hands-on preview earlier this year, PC Gamer’s Fraser Brown said that Europa Universalis 5 might well be “the ultimate grand strategy game.” I spent time with the same build of it, and I’m inclined to agree.

You can find the Europa Universalis 5 soundtrack on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube. Europa Universalis 5 itself, however, doesn’t yet have a release date.

Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.



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June 22, 2025 0 comments
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