Summary

A PSA 10 copy of the 2015 "Raincoat Pikachu" promo sold on Fanatics Collect after 64 bids, one of the biggest results the Pokémon card market has seenThe card was printed only as a prize for a fan artist, which kept it off retail shelves entirelyPrevious PSA 10 copies sold for low five figures as recently as last year, making this jump one of the hobby's steepest

A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of the 2015 Pokémon Japanese XY Promo Art Academy Fujishima Pikachu, known to collectors as "Raincoat Pikachu," has sold for $8.4 million USD including buyer's premium. The card closed on Fanatics Collect on September 28 after drawing 64 bids, a figure that reportedly places it behind only one other Pokémon card ever sold.

The card's scarcity is built into its origin. Artist Y. Fujishima won the Dress-Up Pikachu category of a worldwide contest tied to the Nintendo 3DS game Pokémon Art Academy, beating out thousands of other entries. His prize was a run of 100 officially printed copies of his design. That means no pack, box, or store ever carried the card, and the total supply was fixed at 100 from the start.

The artwork explains the nickname. Fujishima's design dresses Pikachu in a red slicker beneath an umbrella, a softer, storybook image compared with the franchise's standard battle-ready card art. On this copy, it comes paired with PSA's highest grade, a 10 Gem Mint, and the combination of a perfect grade and a supply capped at 100 is what drove the bidding.

The price history shows how sharp the climb was. PSA 10 copies of the same card sold on Fanatics Collect for $12,600 USD in July 2024 and $19,200 USD in June 2025. The new result is roughly 440 times that 2025 sale, reached in about 15 months.

Pikachu has been driving much of the market's recent heat. Just last week, a PSA 10 2002 Legendary Collection reverse holo Pikachu sold for $780,000 USD after trading at $264,000 USD in June, while a PSA 10 2006 Holon Phantoms Gold Star copy reached $480,000 USD, up from $148,800 USD at Goldin in February.

The overall record still belongs to Logan Paul, whose Pikachu Illustrator sold for $16.4 million USD in February. Raincoat Pikachu now sits in the same tier, only a few spots removed from the fan contest where it began.

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Summary

Xbox Insiders can now preview Mythic Achievements, a permanent status earned by completing every original achievement in a gameThe system applies retroactively, so previously completed games, including Xbox 360 titles, may already carry Mythic statusA new Gaming tab, progress bars, and "add-on" labels make it clear what counts toward Mythic and what's still left

Xbox is giving its most dedicated players a new marker to chase with Mythic Achievements, a profile distinction now in early testing with Xbox Insiders. The status goes to anyone who clears every original achievement in a game. It also looks backward: titles players finished years ago, Xbox 360 releases included, have already been upgraded without any extra effort.

The qualifying rule is intentionally tight. Only a game's original achievement list counts toward Mythic, and anything added later through DLC or post-launch updates is excluded. New content arriving months after a player's final unlock won't reopen a game they've already finished. Xbox stated the permanence directly in its announcement: "once you've earned Mythic status, it's yours to keep."

That backward-looking design is the feature's quiet headline. Achievements and Gamerscore arrived with the Xbox 360 in 2005, so the retroactive sweep reaches back across roughly two decades of play. For long-time completionists, opening a profile could mean finding a shelf of old victories newly marked as Mythic.

Those milestones now live in a dedicated Gaming tab on each profile. It collects a player's achievements, shows progress toward their next Gamerscore milestone badge, and lists every completed game. Mythic entries get a distinct frame so they stand out from the rest of a player's history, and the tab can be viewed on friends' profiles too, turning completion into something players can compare.

Players still working toward Mythic get clearer tracking. A progress bar now sits at the top of each game's achievement list, with a filter that narrows the view to the original achievements still outstanding. Later additions carry an "add-on" tag, so there's no guessing about which unlocks count. The same progress data appears in Guide and in Achievement details, which makes it easy to pick a run back up from anywhere on the platform.

Mythic Achievements are available now for Xbox Insiders. A date for the wider rollout has not yet been announced.

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For the 30th anniversary year of Pokémon, the highly popular collaboration Happy Meal promotion between McDonald's and the Pokémon Trading Card Game is reported to be rolling out across the US from Wednesday, November 5, to Tuesday, December 9. This promotion is reportedly slated to expand to other countries following the US launch.

For the 2026 Happy Meal promotion, a total of 15 promotional cards are expected to be featured, as in previous years. Each pack is anticipated to contain four cards (one holographic and three normal cards), with the holographic cards likely to include about six "confetti holo" variations, a signature of the McDonald's collaborations. Additionally, rumors suggest that alongside the cards, customers may be able to choose either a Pokémon Essential Handbook or a card display as their toy bonus.

With hopes high for a Western release of the exclusive illustrated Pikachu promo card that was previously available in Japan, this promotion is drawing intense interest from collectors worldwide as a major event highlighting the holiday season of Pokémon's 30th anniversary.

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Summary

Sony published a patent in September 2026 to turn controllers into hybrid card and RFID readersThe proposed hardware allows players to tap credit cards or smartphones to authorize in-game microtransactions and crypto paymentsThe filing criticizes the performance issues of current QR code scans, despite the patent document itself being riddled with typos

The era of manually punching in credit card numbers with a D-pad is ending. Sony has published a new patent application registered under number US20260273403A1 that outlines a fundamental shift in how players spend money. Titled “Video game controller-driven information transfer,” the filing details a method for transforming a standard video game controller into a hybrid card and RFID reader. Sony intends to bake this communication technology directly into the peripheral so players can authorize payments by tapping a physical credit card or a smartphone against the device.

To pull off this seamless transaction experience, the design incorporates processors and computer-readable media storing instructions inside the controller chassis. The application states that this hardware upgrade would facilitate an ecosystem of video game purchases, ongoing in-app purchases and digital credits. This embedded system is built to read and manage a massive spectrum of modern payment data. According to the filing, the controller will interface with credit accounts, bank accounts, physical gift cards, digital wallets and crypto wallets.

Sony frames this hardware evolution as a response to player demand for easier management of financial credentials in one place. By embedding payment infrastructure directly into players' hands, the technology eliminates the friction of digital transactions. The move represents a broader industry shift away from traditional physical media ownership toward instant digital consumption. When tapping a card is all it takes to clear a microtransaction, the physical barrier between active gameplay and the digital storefront dissolves.

The patent criticizes current transactional mechanics that rely on multiple input devices, specifically targeting the process of selecting a menu option with a controller only to scan a QR code with a secondary smartphone. According to the document, these fragmented processes are detrimental to the user experience and cause console performance to suffer or operations of the console to fail. Despite its mission to streamline console performance, the published patent document is unpolished and contains multiple spelling and grammatical mistakes alongside formatting errors within its subheadings.

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Summary

Rockstar Games has opened pre-orders for The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection, a limited-edition GTA VI Collector's BoxThe set centers on a six-inch Macca the Gator figure, GTA VI-branded Oakley Frogskins and a New Era snapbackSmaller Vice City keepsakes, from a razor blade keychain to a manatee shot glass, round out the box

Rockstar Games has opened pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI: The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection, a limited-edition Collector's Box that arrives on November 19. The 11-piece set is themed around Macca the Gator, a hit TV show within the game's fictional state of Leonida. It is available only while supplies last.

The centerpiece is Macca himself. A six-inch figure of the gator mascot comes with a hidden stash compartment, an early sign that the box leans into Vice City's seedier side. He also appears on a magnetic mirror, and his wetland co-star is on a Chunkee the Manatee shot glass.

The wearables come from real-world partners. Oakley contributes a pair of matte black Frogskins with GTA VI branding and Prizm Sapphire lenses, a blue-mirrored finish suited to the Leonida sun. New Era supplies a 9FORTY A-Frame snapback decorated with Vice City and Leonida details. A Leonida Keys crossbody bag completes the carry-ready pieces.

The rest of the box is full of small souvenirs. There's a Vice City swizzle spoon, a Vice City razor blade keychain and a Leonida Keys enamel pin set packed in a custom metal tin. There are also premium stickers that come in their own stash bag. A double-sided poster maps out the full Leonida landscape, giving players a preview of the state before they set foot in it.

Rockstar is selling the Collector's Box as a limited edition that is available only until stock runs out, and GTA VI itself is not included. Pre-order details for Asia, Latin America and Australia have yet to be announced. Rockstar has also said that more GTA VI apparel and collectibles are on the way.

Grand Theft Auto VI: The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection is available to pre-order now via the Rockstar Store while supplies last, and it arrives on November 19.

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Summary

Epic Games has officially announced singer-songwriter Madison Beer as the latest addition to Fortnite’s Icon SeriesThe virtual collection features two character outfits alongside reactive Back Blings Pickaxes Emotes and Jam TracksThe crossover hits the Fortnite Item Shop on September 24 accompanied by a live launch stream on Twitch

Epic Games has officially revealed the Fortnite x Madison Beer Icon Series Collection, bringing the singer-songwriter into the battle royale arena. The virtual crossover introduces two distinct character skins alongside a full suite of themed cosmetics.

The collection is headlined by two character skins: the "Make You Mine" outfit, featuring an adventure-inspired outfit equipped with thigh holsters and a hip-mounted microphone, and the "Satin Angel" skin, modeled after her 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show ensemble with a pink corset and glowing wings.

Accompanying the outfits are themed accessories including the reactive "Madison's Angel Wings" Back Bling, "Mookie & Maple Plushies" Back Bling, "Madison OG" and "Microphone" Pickaxes, alongside the "Bittersweet" and "Yes Baby" Emotes and Jam Tracks. To celebrate the release, the artist will also host a live stream playing the game on Twitch.

The Fortnite x Madison Beer collection releases in the Fortnite Item Shop on September 24, 2026.

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Summary

2026 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball includes a one-of-one card containing an authentic Abraham Lincoln signatureThe autograph was removed from an original signed document, authenticated, and set into the card rather than signed directly on itLincoln is part of the set's Cut Signatures run, where every card exists as a single copy

2026 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball includes one of the most unusual chase cards of the season: a one-of-one card built around a genuine Abraham Lincoln signature.

The card is made differently from a standard autograph. Lincoln obviously couldn't sign a 2026 trading card, so Topps uses a method called a cut signature. A genuine autograph is carefully removed from a historical item, such as a letter, legal document, or check, and then embedded into the card. Topps says these signatures are sourced from original materials and authenticated before insertion, so the card holds a real piece of the 16th president's handwriting rather than a reproduction.

Lincoln's card is part of a 51-card Cut Signatures checklist, and every card in it is numbered one of one. The run leans on baseball history, with names like Babe Ruth and Willie Mays, alongside historical figures such as Lincoln and Winston Churchill. The rest of the set is built for broader collecting. It includes a 300-card base set, Signature Minis with rare Chrome and Metal parallels, and limited-edition Rip Cards. Those are cards collectors can tear open to reveal a second card sealed inside.

This isn't the first time Topps has featured Lincoln this way. The company included a one-of-one Lincoln cut signature card in 2009, so the 2026 card returns to an idea the company has used before.

The Allen & Ginter name has its own history. The brand takes its look from 19th-century tobacco cards, originally produced by a Richmond, Virginia, tobacco company as collectible inserts in cigarette packs in the late 1880s. It kept the vintage styling and small card format that collectors associate with that era.

Lincoln also has an unexpected link to baseball. During the 1860 presidential race, a Currier & Ives political cartoon showed Lincoln and his rivals as ballplayers, with Lincoln holding a bat after beating them at "the national game." It's a small historical coincidence, but it makes his presence in a baseball set a little less random than it seems. The card is ultimately a historical artifact inside a sports product, and collectors will value it for both.

The 2026 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball arrives October 7 online, with pre-orders open now.

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Summary

Bungie is reversing its six-year-old 'Destiny Content Vault' to restore previously removed campaigns, destinations and raids to the gameDevelopers must completely update the older content's lighting and underlying systems to match modern stability standards before reintroductionThe massive course correction arrives just weeks after fans launched a rogue offline preservation mod to access locked areas

Bungie is officially walking back one of the most controversial decisions in modern gaming history. Three months after releasing the final update for Destiny 2, the studio announced plans to reverse its six-year-old Destiny Content Vault. This massive pivot will fully restore previously removed campaigns, destinations and raids to the live game, with all players receiving access to the returning content. Outlined in a blog post authored by studio head Poria Torkan and head of product Josh Deane, the move directly addresses an era of the shooter that stripped away older content players had originally paid cash to access.

The timing of this reversal coincides with recent community efforts to save the history of the game. Bungie announced the decision weeks after the release of an offline preservation mod named Sunrise. While that fan-made toolkit allowed players to load into vaulted areas, it did not contain the exact campaigns and missions players had experienced previously. Official restoration work will take substantial time because developers must update the older content’s lighting, encounters, combatants and underlying systems. These heavy systemic updates are required because of major engine changes made during the Beyond Light expansion. Reintroducing these environments ensures they meet current stability and gameplay standards.

This un-vaulting operates as a massive structural fix and serves as an effort to salvage community goodwill at a critical cultural juncture. Studio leadership stated the original removal of the content had a lasting impact on player trust and their overall enjoyment of the game. By handing back the keys to these locked worlds, the studio is attempting to mend a fractured relationship with a fanbase alienated by the loss of their paid content. The shift arrives at a moment when the player base has been actively pleading for a Destiny 3 sequel across high-profile Twitch streams. Such a move transforms a mechanical content drop into a high-stakes apology tour.

Leadership is actively positioning the restoration effort as the kickoff for the brand's next era. Torkan and Deane described the franchise as foundational to Bungie's future and stated the studio still has more stories to tell and entirely new worlds to build. Rather than serving as a nostalgic final victory lap for an aging title, the restoration project is framed as the crucial first step in laying the foundation for new stories and upcoming games.

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Summary

FunnyPlaying introduces the ultra-compact FPGB Mini for original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridgesHardware utilizes FPGA technology for 1:1 historical accuracy without relying on software emulationFeatures a high-resolution IPS display, physical link cable support and a built-in real-time clock

The retro hardware scene recently underwent a massive downsizing. FunnyPlaying announced the FPGB Mini, an ultra-compact handheld console engineered to play original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges directly without adapters. This form factor measures barely wider than a standard Game Boy cartridge. Handheld weight is approximately 135g with a strictly minimalist footprint measuring 113mm x 64mm x 22mm. A dedicated carrying case is included in the box for immediate portability. Cartridge support remains limited strictly to Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles.

Under the hood, the console rejects traditional software emulation in favor of field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. By utilizing an FPGA chip to directly recreate original circuitry behavior, the device mirrors the exact hardware quirks, colors and timing of vintage consoles. This device caters to a specific demographic in the retro gaming market, where the inclusion of original cartridge slots and hardware mimicry signals a cultural pivot toward 1:1 historical accuracy.

Visually, the handheld modernizes vintage aesthetics. The FPGB Mini features a 2.98-inch IPS screen packing a resolution of 800 by 720 pixels, a specific mathematical choice that scales the original Game Boy display by exactly five times. This screen supports 16.7 million colors and utilizes an RGB565 pipeline. Dedicated processing ensures that original Game Boy Color titles remain properly saturated, delivering the vibrancy intended by developers decades ago.

The front layout features a 4-way cross D-Pad on the left, standard B and A buttons on the right and Start and Select buttons on the bottom. Physical controls include a slide power switch on the top and a volume control on the side. Crucially, the console includes a dedicated wired connection for multiplayer battles and trading, though the link cable is an optional accessory sold separately. To support vintage mechanics, a built-in real-time clock triggers in-game timed events and day-night cycles for cartridges such as Pokémon Gold and Silver.

While the focus is firmly on physical media, the FPGB Mini integrates modern updates. A microSD slot allows players to store save files, screenshots and ROM files. When no physical cartridge is inserted, a built-in emulator can run those stored ROM files directly from the microSD card. Powering the system is an 1,800mAh removable battery pack that delivers several hours of continuous play per charge. Charging the cell over a modern USB-C connection takes roughly two to three hours.

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Summary

Razer drops the Tartarus V2 Pro, a one-handed keypad packing 31 programmable controls and adjustable optical switchesThe device integrates a drift-resistant TMR thumbstick and dynamic keystroke features for precise executionPriced at $199.99, the peripheral slims down the traditional gaming setup while minimizing hand fatigue

Razer has officially announced the release of the Razer Tartarus V2 Pro, a one-handed gaming keypad designed to radically tighten your desktop setup. Priced at $199.99, the peripheral offers a compact alternative to full-sized keyboards, specifically targeting titles that require rapid access to numerous shortcuts, such as heavily layered MMOs and fast-paced FPS games. By consolidating 31 programmable controls onto a single, focused footprint, the device fundamentally changes how players interact with their game, aiming to minimize hand fatigue and completely eliminate the need to reach across a traditional keyboard during crucial moments. The unit measures a sleek 211 by 159 by 49 mm and weighs in at just 486 grams, ensuring it takes up minimal desk real estate. Customers ordering the hardware during its launch week receive a $30 Razer Store Credit.

At the core of the Razer Tartarus V2 Pro are second-generation Analog Optical Switches, built to recognize the precise depth of every single key press. Players can customize the actuation point of these switches anywhere between a hair-trigger 0.1 mm and a deep 4.0 mm, allowing for highly tailored tactile responses. This is bolstered by a built-in Rapid Trigger feature that allows the keypad to instantly detect upward keystroke movements as small as 0.1 mm, resetting inputs with hyper-fast precision. Razer rates these advanced switches for a staggering lifespan of up to 100 million keystrokes, emphasizing long-term durability. Driving the performance even further is the integration of true 8000 Hz HyperPolling, ensuring ultra-low latency and near-instantaneous communication between the hardware and the game.

Breaking away from traditional keypad limitations, the peripheral features a dedicated analog thumbstick that utilizes advanced TMR technology with anti-drift positioning. Positioned strategically next to the thumbstick are three dedicated thumb buttons, putting even more immediate inputs directly under your most versatile digit. This thumbstick can be used for fluid character movement, or it can be entirely reassigned to handle complex game commands, specialized shortcuts or radial menus. To harness this layout, the device is armed with Razer's Advanced Input Control suite, which includes Snap Tap, Snap Flex, Dual-Keypress Priority and Dynamic Keystroke features. Through Razer Synapse software, players can meticulously customize and store up to 24 keymaps across three distinct onboard profiles, allowing for seamless transitions between different loadouts.

The physical construction of the hardware is engineered to support prolonged sessions with premium materials and adaptable ergonomics. Its wrist rest is highly adjustable, sliding outward and rotating from side to side to precisely accommodate different hand positions. On top of this ergonomic foundation sits a rigid 5052 aluminum alloy top plate, capped with highly durable, textured doubleshot PBT keycaps. Aesthetically, the Razer Tartarus V2 Pro leans into the brand's signature styling with fully customizable Chroma RGB lighting. Additionally, an onboard LED array is integrated directly into the chassis, providing clear visual feedback on active profiles without needing to open external software.

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Summary

A Twitch executive has seemingly let slip that 'GTA VI's' multiplayer component is on track for a 2027 arrivalThe reveal surfaced during a wide-ranging interview about how the streaming platform is bracing for the game's launchRockstar has yet to comment, keeping the timing an informed outside read rather than an official confirmation

Grand Theft Auto VI's long-awaited online mode may be closer than anyone expected, with a fresh comment pointing to a 2027 launch for the multiplayer side of Rockstar's Florida-set epic. The tip didn't come from the developer, though, but from Twitch CEO Dan Clancy, who appeared to reveal the window while talking through the platform's plans for the biggest release on its horizon.

Speaking with Bloomberg, Clancy spent much of the conversation on GTA VI's expected impact on Twitch, noting the obvious viewership surge coming when the game arrives. Then he went a step further, hinting that the real spike is still further out. "You are going to see this big bump with GTA VI, but then an even bigger one next year when they launch multiplayer," he said, effectively floating an online window Rockstar itself has never stated publicly.

The math is easy enough to run. GTA VI hits PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19, so a "next year" multiplayer rollout would land somewhere in 2027, potentially as early as January if the studio moves fast. History suggests some patience may be in order, though. GTA Online followed Grand Theft Auto V by only a couple of weeks, while Red Dead Redemption 2's online mode didn't show up until roughly seven months after launch, so the gap here is anyone's guess.

Whether Clancy said more than he was cleared to say is unclear, and his read carries weight given he mentioned spending significant time in talks with Rockstar about engaging creators. Still, nothing here is locked. Rockstar framed GTA VI as a single-player experience when it laid out pricing and preorder details earlier this year, and the studio has stayed quiet since Clancy's remark. For now, the safe bet is that the existing GTA Online isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

GTA VI launches November 19 with a vinyl and CD soundtrack dropping the same day. Any word on the multiplayer timeline will have to come from Rockstar directly, so treat the 2027 window as a well-placed hint rather than a date to circle.

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Summary

PlayStation unveils a collaborative limited edition DualSense wireless controller with LISA available for pre-order starting October 2Designed with the singer, the controller features illustrative details, "LL" lettering, and her signature stars, all in a Chroma Pearl colorwayA LISA x PlayStation merch collection will also release, including apparel, hats, totes, stickers, keychains, a controller carrying case and more

Another LISA x PlayStation collaboration is on the way. After the K-pop star fronted a PS5 campaign last year, the duo is back for another round ahead of her sophomore solo project, and what better way to gear up for Press Play than a LISA-designed controller?

Dropping October 30 is a limited-edition DualSense wireless controller, created in collaboration with the singer. At $84.99 USD, the piece boasts personal touches throughout, including her iconic bangs and eyes on the front touchpad, alongside her signature stars and bold “LL” lettering, all set against her favorite Chroma Pearl colorway.

“Gaming is something I do whenever I have time to relax, so getting to create this collection with PlayStation was very exciting,” she said in a statement. “I had a lot of fun adding in little details that I knew my fans would notice, and I wanted the fans to have something they can connect with.”

The DualSense edition also arrives with a LISA x PlayStation merch collection, available in two unique assortments, also launching October 30. Up for grabs are apparel, hats, tote bags, keychains, stickers, a controller carrying case, and more.

The Lisa limited-edition DualSense wireless controller and Lisa x PlayStation collection will be available for pre-order starting October 2 at 10AM ET via PlayStation and select global retailers. A second assortment of artist merch will launch on October 23, through LISA's official Amazon store.

Take a look at the galleries above for your first look at the collaboration.

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Summary

Kojima Productions issues a rare statement shutting down rumors of financial instabilityUpcoming title Physint changed publishing partners from PlayStation to XboxHideo Kojima recently admitted the lost Sony contract sparked fears of the studio collapsing

Kojima Productions officially stepped in to address rumors surrounding its financial future. This move follows a report that its upcoming title, Physint, moved to Xbox after Sony dropped the project. Speculation suggested the game was canceled due to missed deadlines, budget and profitability concerns. Studio management took to social media to dispute the chatter, declaring that the studio remains in a healthy and profitable state.

The gaming industry has recently seen a wave of studio closures and canceled titles. This environment allows rumors of financial instability for independent developers to catch fire quickly. Kojima Productions broke from its usual protocol to address the situation. Leadership noted the company normally ignores unsubstantiated speculation but felt the volume of claims demanded a response.

Disputed rumors alleged a loss of funding from Sony and disappointing sales for the Death Stranding franchise. Kojima Productions called out aspersions regarding its relationship with PlayStation and the production planning for Physint. Addressing the shift to Xbox, the studio asked players to treat reports with skepticism while maintaining that its partnership with Sony remains strong. Management emphasized that the unchecked speculation affected fans, creative partners and colleagues.

Internal tension remained high despite the confident public front. Hideo Kojima confessed his own fears about the studio collapsing in a recent interview. He expressed surprise at the situation with Sony because he originally thought the game was safe. The creator revealed that losing a single contract could have forced the studio to terminate staff or face a total collapse due to cashflow issues. Kojima remarked that he wanted to avoid a repeat of the outcome of his past work.

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Summary

Retroid Pocket abruptly announced the Duo Lite Plus handheld console shortly after its initial product launchThe new model merges the compact dimensions of the Duo Lite with the premium processor of the flagship DuoThe brand is covering all shipping and exchange costs for early buyers looking to upgrade their preorders

Retroid Pocket is shaking up its handheld gaming lineup with the abrupt announcement of the new Retroid Pocket Duo Lite Plus. Arriving just over a week after the brand opened orders for its standard Duo and Duo Lite models, the new addition is currently available for preorder. The device features the slimmer physical dimensions of the standard Duo Lite model while packing the Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-7790 processor. This hardware is the exact processor utilized in the pricier flagship Duo model.

Retroid Pocket attributed the later addition of the new tier to customer feedback. This move recognizes a demand for premium power inside a highly portable chassis. The brand priced the Retroid Pocket Duo Lite Plus at $219 USD for standard preorders. However, early adopters can currently utilize a $20 early bird discount code to lower the preorder price to $199. Shipments for the new handheld are expected to begin in mid-November.

The timing of the announcement disrupted the initial rollout and left early buyers of the standard Duo Lite feeling blindsided. Many of these enthusiasts had just purchased the lower-powered device. They were unaware that a model combining the smaller form factor with the premium processor was imminent. Dropping the hybrid device days after the initial launch window opened generated customer frustration among those who missed the optimal configuration.

Recognizing the backlash, the brand initiated an immediate response to make things right. Retroid Pocket sent out a mass email to its consumers and paused all existing Duo Lite shipments. This pause allows buyers time to compare the available devices. Customers who committed to the base Duo Lite can either stick with their original order or formally exchange it for a Retroid Pocket Duo Lite Plus. To smooth over the launch, the company is covering the exchange and shipping costs for any customers opting to upgrade.

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Summary

Activision has debuted a new campaign trailer for 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4' framing the game as the epic conclusion to the seriesThe trailer reveal confirms actor Mads Mikkelsen as a primary antagonist in the campaign storyline'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4' launches officially on PC and consoles on October 23, 2026

Activision has officially debuted the new campaign trailer for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, teasing the upcoming installment as the "epic conclusion" to the rebooted franchise.The latest footage framing the storyline was unveiled alongside announcements from the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 broadcast.

The dramatic campaign trailer highlights actor Mads Mikkelsen in a major antagonist role, pitting players against a sinister new threat. Accompanied by official social media copy branding the title as a definitive finale, the preview has fueled widespread discussion regarding the future direction of Infinity Ward's subfranchise.

First launched in 2019, the rebooted Modern Warfare saga served as a major turning point for the franchise, expanding into the global battle royale hit Warzone. The trailer's narrative focus arrives as partner studio Treyarch shifts toward new conceptual projects, signaling a potential creative evolution across Call of Duty's broader development slate.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will officially release on October 23, 2026, for PC and consoles.

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Summary

Bill Skarsgård and Charlee Fraser lead Kojima Productions’ PHYSINT.Don Lee and Minami Hamabe join the action-espionage game’s cast.Xbox will publish the project, which remains without a release date.

Bill Skarsgård has been confirmed as the lead of PHYSINT, Kojima Productions’ upcoming action-espionage game, with Hideo Kojima revealing the casting during the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 Broadcast. Best known for his portrayal of Pennywise in the IT films and Welcome to Derry, alongside roles in Nosferatu and John Wick: Chapter 4, the actor will headline an ensemble alongside fellow head Charlee Fraser.

Additional cast has also been confirmed, including South Korean action star Don Lee (Ma Dong-seok) and acclaimed Japanese actress Minami Hamabe. Kojima noted that costume fittings, scans and camera tests with the two lead actors had already taken place earlier this year, signaling that performance and likeness capture are underway.

First announced in early 2024 as a new action-espionage project, PHYSINT marks Kojima Productions’ third original IP and represents a return to the genre closely associated with Kojima’s earlier work. The creator has characterized the project as the culmination of his four-decade career in games, with the studio aiming to combine cutting-edge technology and a high-profile cast to push the boundaries of action espionage.

The project has also undergone a notable shift since its reveal: Xbox was recently confirmed as PHYSINT’s new publishing partner, extending its existing relationship with Kojima Productions on OD – KNOCK. Further casting details are expected as development continues, though neither a release date nor confirmed launch platforms have been announced at this time.

📢XBOX Tokyo Game Show 2026 Broadcast Update

Bill Skarsgård is confirmed as the lead role in PHYSINT. New poster also revealed featuring Bill Skarsgård and Charlee Fraser.#KojimaProductions #PHYSINT #XBOX pic.twitter.com/EptYcrs3BZ

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) September 17, 2026

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Summary

RGG Studio previews Stranger Than Heaven’s opening sequence, historical settings and gritty combat.“Showbiz” adds an entertainment-focused dimension to Makoto Daito’s journey.The multi-era action-adventure launches January 15, 2027.

SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have offered an extensive new look at Stranger Than Heaven, unveiling the game’s opening sequence alongside fresh footage during a special Tokyo Game Show 2026 livestream.

The opening follows protagonist Makoto Daito as he is accused of murder and pursued by police, with the ensuing confrontation doubling as an introduction to the game’s gritty combat system. The presentation also moves through three of the title’s five historical settings - Kokura, Fukuoka in 1915; Kure, Hiroshima in 1929; and Minami, Osaka in 1943 - while showcasing exploration and period-specific activities.

The highlight of the special preview was the first official gameplay look at the core "Showbiz" (Show Business) production system. Operating as a Talent Impresario in 1943 Osaka (Minami), players guide Daito as he gathers musical inspiration across city streets, recruits vocalists and band members, adjusts track arrangements using an in-depth mixing interface, and manages live theatrical stage shows.

The studio also detailed its new trigger-based combat system, featuring dual light and heavy attacks alongside a revamped stance-based guard system and showcased beginner-friendly options like the "RGG Special Suit" item. Adding to the fanfare, RGG Studio Executive Director Masayoshi Yokoyama confirmed that a live-action Stranger Than Heaven feature film adaptation is currently in development at Netflix, cementing the project’s multi-platform rollout.

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Summary

Valve's Steam Frame is a wireless, streaming-first VR headset and controller set built to run the entire Steam libraryThe headset pairs custom pancake lenses with dual 2160x2160 LCD panels, a 72 to 144Hz refresh range and a 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processorNew Foveated Streaming and Multi-Link Streaming features use eye tracking and multiple connections to boost image quality and stability

Valve has introduced the Steam Frame, a wireless VR headset and controller kit engineered to play a user's whole Steam library, in VR, in flatscreen and increasingly standalone. Positioned as a streaming-first device within the Steam Hardware family, it leans on a mix of custom optics, on-board processing and new eye-tracking-driven streaming tech to hold a stable, high-quality connection without cables or setup.

The optics and display do the heavy lifting on immersion. Thin, lightweight custom pancake lenses deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and a large eye box, sitting in front of dual LCD panels running 2160x2160 per eye. Supported refresh rates span 72 to 144Hz, with 144Hz listed as experimental. Tracking runs inside-out with no setup required, using four high-resolution monochrome cameras plus infrared illuminators so the system holds up even in dark rooms.

Under the hood, the Steam Frame is effectively a PC. It runs SteamOS 3 on a 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (ARM64) paired with 16GB of unified LPDDR5X RAM, backed by 256GB or 1TB of UFS storage and a microSD slot for expansion. That hardware is what enables standalone play on a growing list of VR and non-VR titles without a host PC, and it brings SteamOS staples like quick suspend and resume, cloud saves, a browser and user-installed apps into the headset itself. A Steam Frame Standalone Verified program flags which library games run locally, while a developer kit program aims to widen compatibility through Proton and SteamOS.

The streaming architecture is where Valve concentrated its engineering. A plug-and-play 6GHz wireless adapter provides a dedicated link for both VR and non-VR streaming, and the headset's dual radios split the workload, one handling audio and visuals while the other maintains the Wi-Fi connection, so the two never compete for bandwidth. On top of that sits Foveated Streaming, which uses low-latency eye tracking to steer the sharpest pixels only to where the eyes are looking, a technique Valve says typically delivers over a 10x improvement in image quality and effective bandwidth across the entire VR library. Multi-Link Streaming complements it by routing data across all available connections at once, adding real-time redundancy so the link stays as strong as its best path.

The controllers are built to bridge both worlds. A split gamepad layout carries the full set of VR inputs, including capacitive finger tracking and backwards compatibility with the SteamVR catalog, alongside the familiar D-pad, ABXY, thumbsticks, triggers and bumpers for non-VR play. Valve fits them with next-generation magnetic thumbsticks, the same ones used in the Steam Controller, and each runs on a single AA battery for roughly 40 hours. Audio comes from dual stereo speakers on each side, oriented in opposing directions to cancel vibrations that could otherwise interfere with tracking.

The Steam Frame arrives in two configurations, a 256GB Kit and a 1TB Kit, each bundling the headset, Steam Frame Controllers, the Wi-Fi 6E wireless adapter and a copy of Half-Life: Alyx.

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Summary

Blizzard Entertainment has officially announced 'Diablo V' targeting a Spring 2029 releaseSet a century after 'Diablo IV' the storyline explores a world where Sanctuary has fallen and heroes were defeatedA new animated 'Diablo' series is also currently in active development at Netflix

Blizzard Entertainment has officially revealed Diablo V, the next mainline entry in its iconic action-RPG franchise. The title was unveiled during the opening ceremony of BlizzCon 2026 at the Anaheim Convention Center, with a target release set for Spring 2029.

Set a century after the events of 2023’s Diablo IV, the upcoming game introduces a narrative pivot for the franchise: a reality where Sanctuary has fallen and its defenders have been defeated. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the franchise since its 1996 debut—which has surpassed 130 million players across four mainline titles—the core storyline centers on survival in a world where evil has already triumphed.

In addition to the main game reveal, Blizzard president Johanna Faries announced that an animated Diablo TV series is currently in development with Netflix. The cross-media adaptation arrives alongside other major BlizzCon reveals, including an open-world StarCraft shooter slated for 2030.

Diablo V is scheduled to launch in Spring 2029.

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Summary

Blizzard Entertainment has announced a new open-world story-driven sci-fi shooter titled 'StarCraft'Led by Dan Hay the upcoming installment is set in the Koprulu Sector 70 years after 'StarCraft II Legacy of the Void'Announced during BlizzCon 2026 the title marks the franchise's first mainline release since 2015 and targets a 2030 launch

Blizzard Entertainment has officially revealed StarCraft, a new open-world sci-fi shooter set within the iconic gaming universe. The title was announced during the opening ceremony of BlizzCon 2026 at the Anaheim Convention Center with a target release date of 2030.

Titled simply StarCraft, the game serves as the first mainline entry in the video game franchise since 2015's StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. Set in the Koprulu Sector 70 years after the events of Legacy of the Void, the project transitions the long-running series into an open-world, story-driven shooter format.

Led by game director Dan Hay, the title is currently early in development. According to Blizzard Entertainment, future updates will offer gameplay reveals and deep dives into the world over the coming years as part of a broader slate of franchise announcements revealed at BlizzCon.

StarCraft is currently scheduled to launch in 2030.

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