console games Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Xbox Game Pass April 2025: Here’s all new games coming and leaving platform, and what we know about subscription plans

In April 2025, Xbox Game Pass will introduce new games while removing some existing titles. New games being added include: - April 2: Asphalt Legends Unite (PC / Ultimate) - April 3: - Borderlands 3: Ultimate Edition (Standard / Ultimate) - All You Need Is Help (Standard) - Still Wakes The Deep (Standard) - Wargroove 2 (Standard) - April 8: Diablo III: Reaper of Souls (PC / Standard / Ultimate) - April 15: Hunt: Showdown 1896 (PC) Games leaving the service on April 15 include: - Botany Manor (PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud) - Coral Island (Xbox Series S|X / Cloud) - Harold Halibut (PC / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud) - Homestead Arcana (PC / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud) - Kona (Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud) - Orcs Must Die! 3 (PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud) - Turbo Golf Racing (PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud) Xbox Game Pass offers several subscription plans: - Xbox Game Pass PC: .99/month, full access to the PC library, new games on release day, member discounts, EA Play membership. - Xbox Game Pass Core: .99/month, online multiplayer, access to over 25 console games, member discounts. - Xbox Game Pass Standard: .99/month, full access to the console library, online multiplayer, member discounts. - Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: .99/month, full access across all platforms, new games on release day, online multiplayer, cloud gaming, EA Play membership, exclusive perks. Game Pass members must purchase games separately if they leave the service, but they receive discounts before exit. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes cloud gaming.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows 8 tiles were ahead of their time — The Xbox handheld could be the perfect place for a similar interface

Microsoft plans to launch its next-generation Xbox hardware, including an Xbox handheld device, in 2027. The handheld is expected to be more integrated with Windows, potentially using a design similar to the "Metro" interface from Windows Phone and Windows 8. This new approach aims to streamline game development by aligning Xbox consoles more closely with Windows, allowing for easier porting of PC games. The design of the handheld is still in development, with a focus on comfort and functionality, and it will need to compete with other devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. The operating system will play a crucial role in user experience, with a simpler interface being a priority to enhance accessibility for gamers.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

Indie Game Festival to debut at Mumbai Comic Con: 40 Indian PC and console games at showcase – The Times of India

The inaugural Indie Game Utsav will take place at the Mumbai Comic Con on April 12-13, 2025, showcasing 40 homegrown PC and console games at the Jio World Convention Centre. Supported by Xbox, Xsolla, and Nodwin Gaming, the festival aims to help indie creators overcome challenges in the industry. PC gaming constitutes 22 percent of India's video game revenue, with a global Steam player base of 132 million. The event will facilitate interactions with international publishers like Krafton, Epic Games, and Devolver Digital, and will include networking events, pitch sessions, and skill-building workshops. Pre-event activities will feature a two-day session by RawFury, workshops by Epic Games, and a Game Maker Mixer. The festival's founder, Avichal Singh, aims to help quality indie games from India achieve success, reflecting the potential demonstrated by titles like Raji: An Ancient Epic.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

PC Gamers Only Spent 8 Percent Of Their Time Playing New Games Last Year, Report Claims

Recent insights from Newzoo indicate that in 2024, only 8 percent of gaming hours were spent on newly released PC games, with players favoring older titles. Iconic games like Roblox, League of Legends, and Fortnite accounted for 67 percent of total PC playtime, while games released two to five years ago made up 25 percent. In contrast, new releases from 2024 captured only 8 percent of playtime. On consoles, 44 percent of PlayStation playtime and 49 percent of Xbox playtime were attributed to games released six or more years ago, with console gamers dedicating 15 percent of their time to new titles. The competition for player engagement is intense, making it difficult for new games to gain attention despite their quality.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Only 8 Percent Of PC Gaming Time Was Spent On New Games Last Year, Report Claims

Players are increasingly favoring older titles, with only 8 percent of PC gaming hours in 2024 dedicated to newly released games. The report from Newzoo indicates that PC gamers primarily engage with titles at least six years old, with games like Roblox, League of Legends, and Fortnite accounting for 67 percent of total PC playtime. Games released between two to five years ago contribute 25 percent, while new releases from 2024 make up only 8 percent. On consoles, approximately 44 percent of gaming time on PlayStation and 49 percent on Xbox is spent on titles released six or more years ago, with console gamers dedicating 15 percent of their playtime to new releases from 2024. The gaming industry saw over 18,000 games launched on Valve’s platform in 2024, indicating a significant increase in new releases.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Overclocked Nintendo Switch Modded With 8GB RAM Can Run Kingdom Hearts III, Resident Evil 2 Remake and Other PC Games Surprisingly Well

The Nintendo Switch, eight years after its launch, continues to demonstrate impressive capabilities. A YouTube user tested an overclocked version of the Switch with 8 GB of RAM running 20 PC games, including titles like Dead Space and Kingdom Hearts III. The performance results varied, with demanding games like Rise of the Tomb Raider struggling, while others like Kingdom Hearts III performed well at lower resolutions. The challenges in porting games to the Switch stem from its limited specifications and RAM. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, expected to launch later this year, aims to address these challenges, although it may not match the power of the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. An upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2nd will provide more information about the new system's capabilities.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Console Game Sales Projected To Leave PC Games In The Dust By 2030

The console gaming market is projected to grow to an impressive billion by 2030, a 52% increase from billion in 2023. Key players in this expansion include Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, leveraging advancements like AI and hybrid gaming devices. In contrast, spending on PC gaming software is declining, with console game sales potentially doubling those of PC games by 2030. The mobile gaming sector is expected to reach sales nearing 0 billion by 2030, significantly outpacing both console and PC platforms. Console games currently generate significantly less revenue than mobile games, which produce 2.5 times more earnings. Cloud gaming is gaining traction due to GPU challenges and advancements in technology, while VR and AR gaming remain niche.

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

GTA 6 publishers think PC is of “increasing” importance in 2025, but still won’t announce the magic date

Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, highlighted the increasing importance of PC gaming in the market and indicated that the release date for Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) on PC has not yet been announced. GTA 6 is set to launch on Xbox and PlayStation in the fall of 2025. Historically, PC versions of Rockstar Games titles have been released after their console counterparts, with GTA 5 debuting on PC approximately 18 months after its initial console release. Zelnick noted that the PC version of a multiplatform title can contribute over 40% to total sales. He expressed optimism that the release of GTA 6 could boost console sales, despite current stagnation in the console market and ongoing trade disputes. The delay in announcing the PC release date may be a strategy to maximize initial console sales before offering a refined version for PC.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Best PC Game of 2024 — Best New PC Games This Year

PC gaming in 2024 featured a variety of innovative titles, with Hades 2 winning the Best PC Game of 2024. Hades 2, which entered early access in May, follows Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, as she attempts to thwart Chronos, the Titan of Time. The game introduces new mechanics, including a Magick Bar and a sprint ability, and offers multiple exploration paths. It can be completed in under 20 hours, but completionists may invest nearly 60 hours. Other notable nominations for Best PC Games of 2024 include: - I Am Your Beast: Released in September, this fast-paced action game features 25 levels designed for quick play sessions, appealing to speedrunners. - UFO 50: A collection of 50 distinct games that pays homage to retro console games, showcasing a variety of genres. - Frostpunk 2: A city-builder set three decades after the original, allowing players to manage complex societal issues and construct larger cities. It won the Best Gameplay award at the Gamescom Awards 2024.

AppWizard

December 22, 2024

6 reasons I’m excited for the future of PC gaming

PC gaming has experienced a surge in popularity, with both established studios and indie developers producing exceptional titles. Linux gaming has improved significantly, particularly with Valve's Proton compatibility layer allowing Windows games to run on Linux without requiring ports. Handheld devices like the Steam Deck have transformed gaming by enabling play on the go. The distinction between PC and console gaming is diminishing, with more console titles being ported to PC and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass providing access to console games on PCs. Display technology has evolved, offering monitors with vibrant colors and high refresh rates, enhancing the gaming experience. Apple Silicon has made Macs more viable for gaming, allowing demanding games to run smoothly, although more game ports are needed. There is a growing focus on accessibility in gaming, with studios prioritizing features for inclusivity. Despite concerns about rising graphics card prices, the PC gaming platform remains strong, supported by millions of users on platforms like Steam and Epic Games.