console

AppWizard
September 2, 2026
Star Wars Zero Company has an aggregate critic score of 85 on Metacritic and is regarded as one of the most acclaimed Star Wars games recently. The game features tactical gameplay similar to X-COM but suffers from technical issues, particularly on PC, including traversal stutters, input lag, and game-breaking bugs. Players have reported frequent crashes, with some needing to restart missions multiple times. The game has a "mostly positive" rating on Steam from nearly 9,000 reviews, yet many highlight similar performance problems. Console players on Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 have also experienced these issues. Bit Reactor, the independent studio behind Zero Company, has furloughed a significant portion of its workforce, with reports indicating that up to 80 percent of employees are currently unpaid. The studio faces an ongoing legal dispute among its co-founders, and confidence in receiving adequate post-launch support is low. Acknowledgment of issues was made on Steam's Community forums on the game's release day, but no further updates have been provided since.
AppWizard
September 2, 2026
The September lineup for PC and Xbox Game Pass includes the co-op survival game Dragonwilds, which releases on September 15th and is the first console title for the RuneScape franchise. It has been in early access since last spring and received "very positive" feedback on Steam. Other titles coming to Game Pass include SpeedRunners 2, The Royal Writ, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Notable titles leaving Game Pass on September 15th include Cyberpunk 2077, Dead Cells, and Deep Rock Galactic Survivor. Game Pass games coming in September: - Shelldiver (1st September) - Speedrunners 2: King of Speed (3rd September) - Dice a Million (4th September) - Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (8th September) - The Royal Writ (10th September) - Virtua Fighter 5 REVO World Stage (10th September) - RuneScape: Dragonwilds (15th September) Leaving Game Pass on 15th September: - Commandos: Origins - Cricket 24 - Cyberpunk 2077 - Dead Cells - Deep Rock Galactic Survivor - Frostpunk 2 - Mullet Madjack - Spiritfarer - Superliminal - Train Sim World 5
BetaBeacon
September 1, 2026
Qualcomm and ARC have partnered to launch a new high-performance gaming device, the ARC X1 handheld console. The device is optimized for modern game engines and multi-platform titles, offering increased computing power, optimized system architecture, low-latency network hardware, and a lightweight design. The ARC X1 runs on a new Android-based operating system called "OwlOS," specifically designed for gaming. Interested parties can sign up on a website for updates on availability.
Winsage
September 1, 2026
The resurgence of "analog" technology has led to increased interest in console modding among hobbyists. Modders have successfully integrated Windows NT 4.0 into the GameCube through the Entii for Workcubes project, which allows the operating system to run on systems from the GameCube to the Wii U. This initiative was highlighted by YouTube creator emu_kidid in February 2025, followed by contributions from Jiga Tech and Michael MJD in 2026, who demonstrated the hardware installation process. The modifications included removing the disc drive, installing a mod drive, and using an SD card disguised as a GameCube memory card. The GameCube's design facilitated these modifications, despite its lower power compared to contemporaries. Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies on newer consoles have driven modders to focus on older systems, highlighting ongoing discussions about technology ownership and game preservation.
Winsage
September 1, 2026
Console modding is experiencing a resurgence as enthusiasts enhance classic hardware, with a notable project involving the installation of Windows NT 4.0 on the GameCube. This initiative builds on previous work by Entii for Workcubes and has gained attention through videos by creators like Jiga Tech and Michael MJD. The process involves utilizing the shared PowerPC architecture of the GameCube and Wii, allowing modders to run the vintage operating system. Demonstrations of the modding process began in February 2025, showcasing the installation of a mod drive and software. Despite the challenges posed by modern gaming companies, such as Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies, these projects highlight the creativity of the modding community and the potential for innovative uses of older consoles.
AppWizard
August 30, 2026
A recent episode of the Japanese television show Game Center CX conducted a poll regarding whether games from the Wii and PlayStation 3 should be classified as retro. Over 14,000 votes were cast, with 71% supporting the inclusion of these games. A subsequent round of voting increased that figure to 80% from nearly 17,000 voters. As a result, titles from both consoles will now be considered for the show’s retro segment.
AppWizard
August 30, 2026
- Serious Sam: Shatterverse was released on August 31 for PC (Win). - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault was released on September 2 for PC (Win), PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox. - Cosmo Tales entered Early Access on September 3 for PC (Win). - Rutrum was released on September 3 for PC (Win). - Mewgenics was released on September 8 for PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series. - Wanderburg entered Early Access on September 8 for PC (Win). - Ex Sanguis entered Early Access on September 10 for PC (Win). - Roguecraft DX was released on September 10 for PC (Win). - Forsworn was released on September 10 for PC (Lin, Win). - Fresh Tracks VR was released on September 10 for PC VR. - Shroom and Gloom entered Early Access on September 11 for PC (Mac, Win). - Dunebound Tactics was released on September 14 for PC (Win). - Cloudbreaker was released on September 15 for PC (Lin, Win). - Fleetbreakers entered Early Access on September 15 for PC (Win). - Sublight was released on September 15 for PC (Win). - Two Sides of Hell was released on September 17 for PC (Win). - Furyball: Rogue Revenge entered Early Access on September 23 for PC (Win). - Stick It to the Stickman was released on September 23 for PC (Win).
AppWizard
August 29, 2026
Digital Foundry has analyzed the recent 27-minute reveal of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, which showcased gameplay at 30 frames per second (fps). The game is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S this November, with a focus on maximizing visual detail at the fixed frame rate. Significant advancements in character rendering, including skin shading and hair simulation, have been noted. The internal rendering on the PS5 is speculated to operate at 1440p without dynamic resolution scaling, although this may result in some softness and aliasing. Digital Foundry expresses skepticism about the feasibility of a 60fps mode on current consoles, citing the game's design balance and the complex CPU demands of its detailed world. Future console iterations and a PC release may support higher resolutions and features like DLSS, but achieving 60fps could still be challenging. IGN has provided exclusive insights into various aspects of the game, including its romance system and expansive map.
AppWizard
August 29, 2026
Mojang has released the Bedrock hotfix version 26.44/45, known as Minecraft update 1.057, for PS5 users on August 28. This minor update addresses various technical bugs, including: - Removed self-selection expansion for non-operator players using commands like /tell. - Vibrant Visuals are now enabled when loading worlds with Education features. - The Back button on Android now performs the correct in-game action. - Arrows shot by a slightly charged Bow no longer hit the shooting player. - Fixed an issue that could disconnect players while loading worlds with certain add-ons. - Shift-clicking items in Creative mode with Pocket UI now quick-moves them instead of deleting them. - Fixed a bug where certain dimension values in a JSON file were ignored.
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