Pocket-lint

How to resolve Move to iOS not working

Pocket-lint Promotion — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 17:30:00 +0000

With the recent release of the iPhone 14 and the holidays approaching, many new iPhones will likely be purchased in December. If you’re lucky enough to receive a new iPhone for Christmas, but previously used an Android phone, you may be wondering how to easily transfer your data across.

The Move to iOS feature allows data to be migrated from Android to iPhone. However, it is known for being temperamental, causing issues that could stop you from transferring your data.

So, if you’re unfortunate enough to encounter Move to iOS not working, here are some methods you can try on how to fix Move to iOS issues.

Free and simple methods

There are some quick ways you can try and fix the Move to iOS app if it stops working. Here are some free and simple tips to try and resolve the issue:

Turn on Airplane mode on your Android device.
Restart both Android and iOS devices.
Update both Android and iOS devices to the latest OS.
Check if your iPhone has enough storage to accept data transferred from your Android device.
Disable network-intensive Android apps such as Smart Network Switch and Sprint Connections Optimizer.
Contact Apple for support.

Use the best Move to iOS alternative - AnyTrans

Rather than fumbling around with potential fixes, you could use AnyTrans. This Move to iOS alternative is free to download and is available for Windows and Mac. You can transfer data between Android and iPhones with ease, as well as other devices. No matter what kind of data you want to transfer, you can do this across any Android device model, and the process won’t erase any existing data you have on your iPhone.

Using AnyTrans, you can transfer WhatsApp messages, photo albums, and more, plus, none of your data will be deleted after the transfer. So, if you want to continue using your old phone, you can do so without worry.

Here’s how to use AnyTrans to move Android data to your iPhone:

Download AnyTrans on your computer.

Launch AnyTrans and connect your Android and iPhone via USB to your computer. Select Phone Switcher in the left-hand side panel, then click on Phone to iPhone mode.

Select your source device and target device, then click the Next button.

Click Next to start transferring your Android data to your iPhone.

A complete iPhone manager

AnyTrans is an iPhone manager that can help you achieve plenty of tasks like transferring your music without restrictions, backing up messages, managing iOS apps, and more.

By using AnyTrans, you can save time and effort, and, more importantly, avoid the Move to iOS issues that many users experience. This makes the process of transferring data between Android and iPhone a breeze.

How to take a screenshot on an Android smartphone

Adrian Willings — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 17:15:00 +0000

There are a few different ways to take a screenshot on an Android phone depending on the model you own.

It's usually really simple to take a screenshot with your smartphone, unless you're using an app that specifically prevents it, such as a banking app or something with copyrighted material like Netflix.

You can usually take screenshots with a few button presses, some simple screen gestures or with your voice. We're rounding up some of the ways to do it.

Screenshot with a button combination

On the majority of Android smartphones you can quickly and easily take a screenshot with just a couple of quick button presses. This works on most phones too, so it's really easy.

Unlock your phone and open whatever you want to screenshot
Press both the power button and the volume down button at the same time
You should then hear a sound and see a notification that a screenshot has been taken

Usually, a pop-up appears at the bottom of the screen when you've taken a screenshot this way and you then have the option to edit the image directly, click to share or crop the image and save it.

How to take a screenshot on the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S21, including smart select options

Note if you find that this button combination doesn't work then it might be a slightly different combination that works on your phone:

On older Samsung phones press the power and home buttons at the same time to take a screenshot
Try swiping down from the top of your phone, you might see a screenshot button in the notification shade

How to take a longer screenshot on Android

Sometimes when you're taking a screenshot you might want to take a longer one in order to screenshot more of the screen than is visible without scrolling.

If you follow the steps above to grab a screenshot and you see the notification that one has been taken you will also see a button that says "capture more".

Click that button and it will grab a longer screenshot of the page or app you're looking at. This saves taking multiple screenshots and allows you to send or save a single file for whatever you need it for.

How to take a screenshot with your voice

It's also possible to take a screenshot with your voice using Google Assistant.

Google Assistant is a handy device for doing all sorts of things, even basic tasks like taking a screenshot. So if you like to boss your device around with your voice then this is the perfect opportunity for such things.

To do so:

Activate Google Assistant
Say "Hey Google, take a screenshot"
Watch for the notification that the screenshot has happened
Use the motivation to share, edit or crop the screenshot as needed

Note that you'll need Google Assistant to be ready to accept voice commands. So if it doesn't work be sure to follow these steps.

Take a screenshot with a gesture

Some phones allow you to take screenshots with gestures or actions.

The best way to find out if these are possible is to head into your settings:

Go to your phone's settings
Search for gestures
Under the gesture controls look for screenshots
Activate any that are possible

On Samsung smartphones, you might see the option to use a palm swipe gesture to capture a screenshot. Swipe your hand across the screen and it will trigger a screenshot.

On some Huawei phones you'll find the option to knock on your screen instead:

Go to system settings
Check for accessibility features
Tap on shortcuts and gestures
Click on take screenshot and turn on Knuckle screenshots

You can then take a screenshot by gently tapping on your phone screen twice.

How to take a screenshot on a Google Pixel phone

There are a number of ways to take a screenshot on your Google Pixel smartphone. Alongside the standard button combinations and Google Assistant you can also do it from the recent apps screen.

With the app open that you want to screenshot swipe up from the bottom of the screen
With the recent apps page visible look for the screenshot button below the relevant app
Tap that screenshot button to capture the image
Edit or share your screenshot as needed

How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi and Poco phones

There are other gesture controls you can use on devices like Xiaomi and Poco smartphones that run on MIUI software. As standard, this includes a simple three-fingered gesture which will easily capture a screenshot. Swipe your three fingers down from the top of the screen at the same time to capture an image.

Xiaomi 12 Pro tips and tricks: Master MIUI 13 with these 15 tips

If this doesn't work you may need to check in the settings to ensure it's activated:

Head over to your phone's system settings
Find and access additional settings
Tap on button shortcuts
Select take a screenshot and tweak the settings

From there you can change the gestures for this action to include simple things like pressing and holding the home, menu or back buttons on your phone.

How to take a screenshot on a OnePlus phone

Like some of the other phones on this list it's possible to take a screenshot on a OnePlus phone with a gesture too.

To do so swipe down from the top of the screen with three fingers at the same time. You should then see the same screenshot notification as normal. If not then you can check settings:

Go to your phone settings
Tap on buttons and gestures
Click on quick gestures
Adjust the settings in there to enable the gesture screenshot

Nacon introduces the MG-X Pro game controller for iPhone

Luke Baker — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:13:45 +0000

Nacon has announced a new version of its MG-X Pro controller, and this one's designed for iPhone users.

If you're unfamiliar, the Nacon MG-X Pro is a split-style game controller that holds your phone in the middle, resulting in a form factor akin to the Nintendo Switch or Valve Steam Deck.

Released earlier this year, the Android version of the MG-X Pro has proven to be a popular choice with mobile gamers.

It has an ergonomic grip like you'd find on a traditional controller, but a better balance in the hand than clamping your phone on top, it's pretty much the best of both worlds.

The MG-X Pro is an officially licenced Xbox controller, designed for use with cloud streaming on Game Pass Ultimate. Upon purchase, you get one month's free access to Game Pass Ultimate so you can try it out.

Now, iPhone gamers can get in on the action too, the new version has official Made For iPhone certification from Apple, so you can be sure it'll work well with iOS.

It connects via Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with a wide range of iPhone models dating back to the 6S and including the chunky iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The controller offers 20 hours of battery life per charge, and charges via an included USB-C cable when you run out of juice.

It has an asymmetrical Xbox-style layout and button markings, ensuring Xbox users feel right at home.

The Nacon MG-X Pro for iPhone is available today at a price of €120 / $99.99

squirrel_widget_12863354

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer deal gives you £50 off if you're quick

Rik Henderson — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:01:27 +0000

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer has proved extremely popular around Christmas time - as a present for someone who cares a lot about their folicles. However, it's generally at the pricier end of the market, and with Black Friday now in the rear view mirror, you might be regretting not shopping around for a discount.

Never fear, UK retailer Currys has got a special deal for the next few days only - it has the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer in the classic iron and fuscia colour scheme available with £50 off.

The new Huawei smartwatch will store earbuds inside

Luke Baker — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 13:48:42 +0000

A hands-on video has revealed a strange new Huawei product that uses a smartwatch as a charging case for earbuds, aptly named the Huawei Watch Buds.

As unusual as it seems, it could actually prove quite handy. At the very least it's one less thing to remember to charge, and it'll also save some valuable pocket space.

At first, we assumed this would be some kind of attention-grabbing tech demo, wowing people at a show like CES, but destined to never hit the retail shelves.

However, Huawei has acknowledged the existence of its Watch Buds since the video went up. The brand posted a teaser video on its Weibo account that shows a glimpse of the watch before promising a reveal on December 2 2022.

Unfortunately, this event has now been delayed, reportedly as a sign of respect to former CCP General Secretary Jiang Zemin, who passed away on November 30.

This means that we'll need to wait a little longer to learn more, but the tease has definitely piqued our interest.

What we can tell at the moment is that the design is reminiscent of the Huawei Watch GT 3 series, with a digital crown and a slight curve to the display.

There's a decent chance that this product could make its way to Europe, too. Notebookcheck reports that Huawei has sought a European trademark for the device.

As is the norm for Huawei devices, it'll likely first launch in China, before coming to other regions a few months later. Whatever the case may be, we're looking forward to learning more.

RCA Roku TVs launch in the UK, starting at an amazing £130

Rik Henderson — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 11:50:22 +0000

RCA has joined the list of TV manufacturers to release Roku TVs in the UK.

Available in 32-, 40- and 55-inch screen sizes, the RCA Roku TVs come in HD and 4K HDR resolutions and start at just £129.99.

They sport the Roku smart TV platform built in, so you don't need to add a secondary streaming device, and also come with 30-days of free Discovery+.

Roku TVs have a customisable homepage, with access to the thousands of streaming apps and channels available through the platform. This includes all of the UK's free TV services - such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4 and My5. The RCA sets are also Freeview Play-enabled so you can scroll backwards through the EPG, select a show you may have missed and watch it on catch-up.

The Roku Channel is also available for free, with Roku Originals shows and films, including Weird: The Al Yankovic Story starring Daniel Radcliffe.

The first RCA Roku TV to be available is the RR32HD1 - a 32-inch model with a HD picture resolution. It has two HDMI ports and two USB ports. It also supports HDR.

The 40-inch model (RR40FH1) is a Full HD variant, while the 55-incher (RR55UD1) is 4K HDR. They are priced at £169.99 and £269.99 respectively.

You can buy the 32-inch RCA Roku TV from Amazon for £129.99 now.

squirrel_widget_12863324

British Airways adds Paramount+ to in-flight entertainment

Rik Henderson — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 10:31:00 +0000

Paramount+ will be available as a dedicated channel on British Airways' in-flight entertainment system from this month.

The streaming service, which launched in the UK earlier this year, will appear in curated form. BA's Highlife platform will therefore including exclusive Paramount+ TV series to watch on demand during flights in all cabin classes.

This will include shows such as Halo, Yellowstone, Kamp Koral: Spongebob's Under Years, and the entire Star Trek franchise.

The partnership will also include a QR code on the Highlife platform for viewers to subsequently subscribe to Paramount+ to continue watching a series on their mobile device or TV at home.

An introductory offer of one-month of Paramount+ will be available to new subscribers, and will be available through the British Airways Executive Club for Bronze, Silver and Gold members.

"This partnership is a fantastic platform for our continued growth in the UK, allowing us to introduce millions of customers a year to some of the best shows anywhere, available on Paramount+. We’re confident that British Airways customers will love what they see and be encouraged to continue exploring the mountain of entertainment on offer," said Paramount UK's chief marketing officer, Anna Priest.

Paramount+ costs £6.99 per month in the UK, or €7.99 in Ireland. A year's subscription is available for £69.90 / €79.90 respectively. It is offered as a free service to Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream subscribers with Sky Cinema packages.

You can find out more about the streaming service in our in-depth feature: How much is Paramount+, where is it available, and what can you watch on it?

Summer Game Fest 2023: When is the E3 rival event and what to expect?

Rik Henderson — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 09:49:00 +0000

Summer Game Fest will return in 2023, with a live showcase event to kick off the action on Thursday 8 June.

It will be streamed live from the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles and will also invite a live audience for the first time.

It's not the only big gaming event planned for next summer, however, with E3 to return as well. So, what is Summer Game Fest and will we have two competiting events running simultaneously in 2023? Here's everything we know about it so far.

What is Summer Game Fest and when does it start?

Born from the pandemic and global lockdowns, Summer Game Fest started in 2020 to fill the void left by a cancelled E3.

It ran from May to August and featured publisher announcements, in-game events and an opening livestream that crammed in bundles of game info and trailers.

The show also ran in 2021 and 2022, with individual keynotes from publishers and developers to round off the action.

Now it's coming back, but with a twist. Not only will the main kickoff showcase have a live audience for the first time, it will run alongside E3 in 2023.

The main Summer Game Fest showcase will take place on Thursday 8 June. An exact start time and other related events are yet to be revealed.

You can keep up with the latest schedule and news on the Summer Game Fest homepage.

Summer Game Fest 2023: How to keep track

Traditionally, a number of key events from major publishers and brands have tied into Summer Game Fest - including the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase.

It's not yet known whether that will be the case again, whether they'll tie their flag to the mast of E3 instead, or maybe support both.

We'll update with any confirmed third-party events here when possible.

What to expect during Summer Game Fest

In previous years, other publishers and games companies have supported Summer Game Fest - not least by giving trailer exclusives to host Geoff Keighley for announcement during the showcase stream. Here's a list of previous partners to give you an indication of what you can expect in 2023.

2K
Activision
Amazon Games
Amazon Prime Gaming
Annapurna Interactive
Bandai Namco
Blizzard Entertainment
Capcom
Devolver Digital
Dotemu
Electronic Arts
Epic Games
Finji
Frontier
Gearbox Publishing
Hi-Rez Studios
Inner Sloth
Koch Media
Mediatonic
MiHoYo
Netflix
PlayStation
Psyonix
Raw Fury
Riot Games
Saber Interactive
Sega
Square Enix
Steam
Tencent Games
Tribeca Festival
Ubisoft
Warner Bros. Games
Wizards of the Coast
Xbox

More could be announced throughout the event.

Honor Magic VS initial review: A no compromise folding phone

Cam Bunton — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 09:42:38 +0000

For most of 2022, Samsung was unchallenged in the foldable phone market outside of China. That was - of course - until the end of the year when other companies started adding some heat to the flexible smartphone segment.

Motorola launched the latest version of its Razr to compete with the Galaxy Z Flip 4, and now Honor has unveiled the Magic VS to compete with the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It's not available in Europe just yet, but we've had our hands on an early pre-production unit and early signs are very promising for when it eventually lands on store shelves.

Design

160.3 x 141.5 x 6.1mm (unfolded)
160.3 x 72.6 x 12.9mm (folded)
Glass front and back - magnesium alloy frame - 261g

What's interesting about Honor's approach to this book-style foldable is that the company has taken an approach that's more like its former parent company, Huawei's, foldable than Samsung's. That's to say it's got quite a big display on the outside, and a larger one inside, and that means it's quite a big phone. It's 5.5mm wider than the Z Fold 4 when shut, and more than 11mm wider when open.

For a device of this style, it's quite slim though, and that really helps the phone feel less chunky than you might expect. That's only aided further by the fact that the two halves of the display close virtually flush. There's no gap near the hinge, and so there's that sense that it's an even thickness across the entire phone. It doesn't get wider at the spine like Samsung's.

It feels pretty sturdy too, thanks to the durable metal framing around the edges, and a hinge built from titanium alloy which seems to open and shut smoothly on first impressions.

This particular model features a frosted glass rear, but Honor will be selling vegan leather options too, so you will find there's a slight difference in weight and dimensions depending on whether you go glass or fake leather.

Display(s) and software

7.9-inch folding OLED display - 2272 x 1984 resolution - 90Hz refresh
6.45-inch exterior OLED display - 2560 x 1080 resolution - 120Hz refresh
1.07 billion colours
MagicOS 7.0 based on Android 12

As display specs go there, the two screens on the Honor Magic VS should offer top-tier performance. A big part of the appeal of this phone will - we think - be the size of them.

The front display offers a large 6.45-inch panel that's much closer to a standard smartphone aspect ratio than the long, narrow screens we've seen from Samsung. It's not quite 18:9, but at 21.3:9 the size and aspect ratio will make it a lot less cramped than the main competition.

We've only used it a short while, but we can already tell it's going to be much more useful for doing everyday tasks than the Galaxy Z Fold's. Those times when you don't need the big internal display, or you're in a hurry and want to reply to something quickly, will feel less like a compromise on this screen we think. Of course, we're going to need more time with it to say for sure.

As for the internal display, that measures nearly 8 inches and offers a large surface area. It's coated with a special anti-reflective coating to help avoid one of the biggest problems with plastic-covered screens: reflections. Plus, the hinge design means the crease in the middle of the screen is not too obvious when the screen is on.

It's too early to give our full thoughts on the screen performance since this is a non-final unit, but it's got some strong specs. There's HDR10+ support, 90Hz refresh rates and a bright, vibrant OLED panel. It's got a lot going for it. The software is Magic OS 7 running on Android 12.

Performance

Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
8GB/256GB, 12GB/256GB or 12GB/512GB
5000mAh battery - 66W wired charging

Internally, there's everything you need to get flagship performance. At least, on paper. That means the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor is running the show and - if it's like other phones we've tested with that platform - it should mean really fast and efficient performance.

It's joined by 8GB or 12GB RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. Again, that means plenty of memory for efficient performance and lots of storage space for files, media and apps.

When you add the 5000mAh battery to the picture, it really brings home the fact that this is trying to offer you all you'd expect from a proper top-tier Android phone, without any compromises. And in a folding phone too. Add 66W wired fast charging to the picture and the only thing you're really missing is wireless charging.

Cameras

50MP f/1.9 main camera (IMX800 sensor)
50MP f/2.0 ultrawide camera - macro mode
8MP f/2.4 telephoto zoom - 3x optical

We haven't had time to thoroughly test the cameras, but yet again, it's got everything that it needs - on paper. There's a primary 50-megapixel camera with a big Sony sensor for high-quality images with lots of detail, dynamic range and colour.

That main lens is joined by two others: an ultrawide which also doubles as a macro. Again, that's 50 megapixels, so Honor hasn't gone down the route of offering a useless low-resolution macro camera. Add a 3x optical zoom telephoto camera with an 8-megapixel sensor and that means you get the variety and versatility in focal lengths to suit most conditions.

Xbox Game Pass games list, price and everything you need to know

Rik Henderson — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 09:28:00 +0000

Microsoft has a couple of subscription services for owners of the Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Series S.

Xbox Live Gold is a monthly membership plan that is required for online play and, while it gives you a couple of free games a month, that's its primary purpose.

On the other hand, Xbox Game Pass is the firm's service that gives you access to hundreds of games for just one monthly fee.

They can each be paid for separately, but the best news is that you can get both, plus PC Game Pass, EA Play, Cloud Gaming and access to exclusive game discounts for a single, cheaper price.

squirrel_widget_158169

Here's everything you need to know about Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

What is Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate?

Xbox Games Pass gives you access to well over 300 games to download and play on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S for one monthly fee.

If you upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you also get Xbox Live Gold, PC Game Pass, EA Play and access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, all for the same price.

You can download the games and play them as often as you like, as long as you continue to pay the monthly fee. Some titles might become unavailable as others are added, but you also have the option of buying any of the collection outright at discounted prices.

Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games are part of the line-up, the latter two through backward compatibility, so there are plenty of top titles to choose from.

Microsoft adds releases of its own and many third-party games on the same day they are released in stores. This includes Halo Infinite and Bethesda's new, forthcoming sci-fi RPG, Starfield.

It could also include all of Activision Blizzard's vast back catalogue of titles, when Microsoft's acquisition completes, including legacy and new Call of Duty games.

The included Xbox Live Gold also gives subscribers exclusive discounts on many games on the Xbox Store.

How much does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cost?

Xbox Games Pass Ultimate is priced at $14.99/£10.99 a month. You can cancel at any time.

As mentioned, it includes Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Games Pass for PC and EA Play. Plus, Microsoft's cloud service, Cloud Gaming, is part of Ultimate at no extra cost.

The standard console-only version of Games Pass doesn't include Gold, EA Play, Cloud Gaming or the PC version. It costs $9.99/£7.99 a month. It's the same price for the PC-only version when subscribed to separately. Ultimate is clearly the better deal.

What games are part of Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox Game Pass will always offer more than 300 games, made up of Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox backward compatible titles.

Some might be switched in future for other games, but here is the current list of all the games that are currently available:

All the Xbox One & Series X/S games on Game Pass (as of 2 December 2022):

Note, all games run on Xbox One as well as Xbox Series X/S, but can have enhancements on the next-gen consoles. Some games will also feature Xbox's Auto HDR and/or FPS Boost technologies.

7 Days to Die
A Memoir Blue
A Plague Tale: Requiem (Xbox Series X/S only)
A Way Out **
Alien: Isolation
Aliens: Fireteam Elite - leaving 15 December 2022
Among Us
Amnesia: Collection
Amnesia: Rebirth
Anthem **
Anvil
ARK: Ultimate Survivor Edition
As Dusk Falls
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assetto Corsa
Astroneer
Back 4 Blood
Batman: Arkham Knight
Battlefield 1 **
Battlefield 4 **
Battlefield V **
Battlefield Hardline **
Battletoads
Ben 10: Power Trip
Besiege (Game Preview)
Black Desert
Blair Witch
Beacon Pines
Bleeding Edge
Breathedge - leaving 15 December 2022
Bridge Constructor Portal
Broken Age
Bugsnax
Burnout Paradise Remastered **
Bushiden - coming TBC
Chained Echoes - coming 8 December 2022
Chinatown Detective Agency
Chivalry 2
Chorus
Cities: Skylines
Citizen Sleeper
ClusterTruck
Coffee Talk
Cooking Simulator
Commandos 3 - HD Remaster
Conan Exiles
Contrast
Costume Quest 2
Crackdown 3
Cricket 22
CrossfireX
Crown Trick
Crusader Kings III (Xbox Series X/S only)
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Anniversary Edition
Day of the Tentacle Remastered
DayZ
DC League of Super-Pets: The Adventures of Krypto and Ace
Dead By Daylight: Special Edition
Dead Cells
Deathloop (Xbox Series X/S only)
Death's Door
Deep Rock Galactic
Descenders
Despot's Game
Destroy All Humans
Dirt 4 **

Dirt 5 **
Dirt Rally **
Dirt Rally 2.0 **
Disc Room
Dishonored: Definitive Edition
Dishonored 2
Dishonored: Death of the Outsider
Disney Dreamlight Valley: Founder's Edition
Disneyland Adventures
DJMax Respect V
Don't Starve: Giant Edition
Donut County
Doom (1993)
Doom (2016)
Doom II
Doom 3
Doom 64
Doom Eternal
Double Kick Heroes
Dragon Age Inquisition **
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition - leaving 15 December 2022
Dreamscaper
Eastward
Edge of Eternity
eFootball PES 2021 Season Update
Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising
Embr
Empire of Sin
Escape Academy
Evil Genius 2
Eville
Exo One
F1 2020 **
F1 2021 **
Fallout 4
Fallout 76
Farming Simulator 22
Far Changing Tides
Far Cry 5
Fe **
FIFA 15 **
FIFA 16 **
FIFA 17 **
FIFA 18 **
FIFA 21 **
FIFA 22 **
Final Fantasy VII
Firewatch - leaving 15 December 2022
Floppy Knights
Football Manager 2023 Console
For Honor - Marching Fire Edition
Forager
Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 5
Frostpunk: Console Edition
Full Throttle Remastered
Gang Beasts
Garden Story
Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition
Gears of War 4
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition
Gears Tactics
Genesis Noir
Ghost Recon Wildlands
Ghost Song
Goat Simulator
Golf With Your Friends
Gorogoa
Grid **
Grid Legends **
Grim Fandango Remastered
Grounded
Gunfire Reborn
Gungrave G.O.R.E
Halo 5: Guardians

Halo Infinite
Halo Wars 2
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition
Halo: Spartan Assault
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Hardspace: Shipbreaker (Xbox Series X/S only)
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hello Neighbour 2 - coming 6 December 2022
High on Life - coming 13 December 2022
Hitman Trilogy
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
Hot Wheels Unleashed - Game of the Year Edition - coming 15 December 2022
Human Fall Flat
Humankind
Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars
Immortality
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Infernax
Injustice 2
Inside
Insurgency: Sandstorm
It Takes Two **
Jurassic World Evolution 2
Just Cause 4: Reloaded
Kentuky Route Zero
Kill It with Fire
Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition
Kingdom Hearts - HD 1.5+2.5 Remix
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
Kraken Academy!!
Lake - leaving 15 December 2022
Lapin
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga - coming 6 December 2022
Let's Build a Zoo
Life is Strange: True Colors
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
Little Witch in the Woods (Game Preview)
Lonely Mountains: Downhill
Loot River
Lost in Random **
Madden NFL 15 **
Madden NFL 16 **
Madden NFL 17 **
Madden NFL 18 **
Madden NFL 19 **
Madden NFL 21 **
Madden NFL 22 **
Madden NFL 25 **
Maneater
Marvel's Avengers
Marvels' Guardians of the Galaxy
Mass Effect: Andromeda **

Mass Effect Legendary Edition **
Matchpoint - Tennis Championships
Max: The Curse of Brotherhood
Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries
Medieval Dynasty (Xbox Series X/S only)
Metal: Hellsinger (Xbox Series X/S only) - Xbox One version coming 8 December 2022
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Midnight Fight Express
Minecraft
Minecraft Preview
Minecraft Dungeons
Mirror's Edge Catalyst **
MLB The Show 22
Monster Sanctuary
Moonglow Bay
Moonlighter
Moonscars
Mortal Kombat 11
MotoGP 22
My Friend Pedro
My Friend Peppa Pig
My Time At Portia
Naraka: Bladepoint
NBA Live 18 **
NBA Live 19 **
NBA 2K21
Need for Speed **
Need for Speed Heat **
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered **
Need for Speed Payback **
Need for Speed Rivals **
Neon Abyss
Neoverse - leaving 15 December 2022
New Super Lucky's Tale
NHL 18 **
NHL 19 **
NHL 21 **
NHL 22 **
NHL 94 Rewind **
No Man's Sky
Nobody Saves the World
Norco
Nuclear Throne
Octopath Traveler
Olija
Omori
One Piece Pirate Warriors 9 - leaving 15 December 2022
Opus: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Outer Wilds

Outriders
Overcooked! 2
Overwhelm
Pac-Man Museum+
Paradise Killer
Paw Patrol Grand Prix
Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay
Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls
Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
Peggle 2 **
Pentiment
Persona 5 Royal
Phantom Abyss
Phoenix Point
Pikuniku
Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire - Ultimate Edition
Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville **
Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare **
Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2 **
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
PowerWash Simulator
Prey
Psychonauts 2
Pupperazzi
Quake Remastered
Quantum Break
Race with Ryan - leaving 15 December 2022
Rage 2
Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan - coming 15 December 2022
Rare Replay
Recompile
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth - leaving 15 December 2022
ReCore: Definitive Edition
Research and Destroy
Return to Monkey Island
Road 96
Rocket Arena **
Rory McIlroy PGA Tour ** - leaving 15 December 2022
Rubber Bandits
Rush: A DisneyPixar Adventure
Ryse: Son of Rome
Scorn (Xbox Series X/S only)
ScreamRide
Sea of Solitude
Sea of Thieves
Shadowrun: Dragonfall
Shadowrun: Hong Kong
Shadowrun Returns
Shredders (Xbox Series X/S only)
Signalis
Skul: The Hero Slayer
Slay The Spire
Slime Rancher 2 (Game Preview)
Sniper Elite 5
Soccer Story
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
Soma
Somerville
Spacelines from the Far Out
Spelunky 2
SpiderHeck
Stardew Valley

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order **
Star Wars Battlefront **
Star Wars Battlefront II **
Star Wars: Squadrons **
State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
State of Decay: Year-One
Stellaris: Console Edition
Stranger Things 3: The Game
Subnautica
Sunset Overdrive
Super Lucky's Tale
Super Mega Baseball 3
Superliminal
Surgeon Simulator 2
Surviving Mars
Tainted Grail: Conquest
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Tell Me Why: Chapters 1-3
Telling Lies
Terraria
Tetris Effect: Connected
The Anacrusis
The Ascent
The Bard's Tale ARPG: Remastered and Resparkled
The Bard's Tale IV: Director's Cut
The Bard's Tale Trilogy
The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
The Elder Scrolls Online
The Evil Within
The Evil Within 2
The Gunk
The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom
The Legend of Tianding
The Little Acre
The Outer Worlds
The Pedestrian
The Riftbreaker
The Sims 4 **
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier - The Complete Season (Episodes 1 - 5)
The Walking Dead: Michonne - The Complete Season
The Walking Dead: Season Two
The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season
The Walking Dead: The Final Season
The Yakuza Remastered Collection
TheHunter: Call of the Wild
This War of Mine: Final Cut
Tinykin
Titanfall **
Titanfall 2 **

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege Deluxe Edition
Torment: Tides of Numenera
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
Totally Reliable Delivery Service
Touhou Luna Nights
Trailmakers
Train Sim World 3
Transformers: Battlegrounds - leaving 15 December 2022
Trek to Yomi
Tropico 6
Tunic
Turbo Golf Racing
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
Two Point Campus
UFC 3 **
UFC 4 **
Umurangi Generation Special Edition
Undertale
Unpacking
Unravel **
Unravel Two **
Unsouled
Vampire Survivors
Void Bastards
Wasteland 2: Director's Cut
Wasteland 3
Wasteland Remastered
Watch Dogs 2
We Happy Few
Weird West
Windjammers 2
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Worms W.M.D
Wreckfest
Yakuza 0
Yakuza 3 Remastered
Yakuza 4 Remastered
Yakuza 5 Remastered
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Yakuza Kiwami
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
You Suck at Parking
Young Souls
Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
Zombie Army 4: Dead War
Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection

All the Xbox 360 backward compatibility games on Game Pass:

Alice: Madness Returns **
Banjo-Kazooie
Banjo Kazooie: N n B
Banjo-Tooie
Battlefield 1943 **
Battlefield 3 **
Battlefield: Bad Company **
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 **
Bejeweled 2 **
Bejeweled 3 **
Brutal Legend **
Costume Quest
Crysis **
Crysis 2 **
Crysis 3 **
Dante's Inferno **
Dead Space **
Dead Space 2 **
Dead Space 3 **
Dead Space Ignition **
Double Dragon Neon
Dragon Age: Origins **
Dragon Age 2 **
Fable Anniversary
Fable II
Fable III
Fallout 3
Fallout: New Vegas
Feeding Frenzy **
Feeding Frenzy 2 **
Fight Night Champion **
Final Fantasy XIII
Gears of War
Gears of War 2
Gears of War 3
Gears of War: Judgment
Heavy Weapon **
Jetpac Refuelled
Joy Ride Turbo
Kameo
Mass Effect **
Mass Effect 2 **
Mass Effect 3 **
Medal of Honor Airborne **
Mirror's Edge **
Peggle **
Perfect Dark
Perfect Dark Zero
Plants vs Zombies **
Rage
Skate **
Skate 3 **
SSX **
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Viva Piñata
Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise
Zuma **
Zuma's Revenge! **

All the original Xbox backward compatibility games on Game Pass:

Black **
Blinx - The Time Sweeper
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
Fuzion Frenzy
Psychonauts
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

** included as part of EA Play for Ultimate subscribers only.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3: Release date, trailer, and how to catch up

Maggie Tillman — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 09:25:00 +0000

The long-awaited third instalment of the Guardians of the Galaxy saga is almost upon us.

Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Marvel movie, including who might come back to reprise their roles, the current release date, and more. Details are still a little scarce, but we're learning more all the time, and will continue to update this page as news breaks.

Guardians of the Galaxy 3: What to know

Director James Gunn announced that filming had started in November 2021 and even teased fans with a cast reunion photo:

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Karen Gillan (@karengillan)

If you can't wait to catch up with the gang, they also appear in Thor: Love and Thunder, which was released in the summer of 2022.

Gunn has also confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 takes place after the latest Thor movie. Other than that, specific plot details for the third movie are not yet known. Gunn has only promised that it'll serve as the "epic conclusion" to the story he began in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy. We suspect that, after Endgame, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 will focus on the search for Gamora. Gunn has been teasing that the third movie is "pretty heavy actually". He said: "It's a heavier story, so it's an emotional process to go through".

Karen Gillan said she read the script with Pom Klementieff and they were full of tears. "It's brilliant and it's emotional and it's funny and it's all of those things that you want," she told Collider.

Guardians of the Galaxy 3: Release date

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 will release on May 5 2023.

Guardians of the Galaxy 3: Where to stream

Presumably, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 will come to theatres first, followed by a streaming release on Disney+, where you can also watch the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Guardians of the Galaxy 3: Cast

So far, you can expect the following to return:

Chris Pratt as Star-Lord
Dave Bautista as Drax
Karen Gillan as Nebula
Bradley Cooper as Rocket
Vin Diesel as Groot
Pom Klementieff as Mantis
Zoe Saldana as Gamora
Sylvester Stallone as Stakar
Will Poulter as Adam Warlock
Chukwudi Iwuji as TBA

Guardians of the Galaxy 3: Trailers

The first trailer was released on December 1 2022, we have embedded it at the top of the page, and again below for your convenience.

Guardians of the Galaxy 3: How to catch up

In order to go into the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 in cinemas fully prepared, at least watch the previous two movies on Disney+. It costs $7.99 a month in the US.

squirrel_widget_187869

If you think you'll want to know more about the MCU, follow our guide on every Marvel movie and TV show in chronological order.

What is the best streaming device for your TV? Our top recommendation is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Also excellent are the Google Chromecast with Google TV, the Roku Express 4K, the Apple TV 4K and the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

HDR10+ coming to games

Rik Henderson — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 09:14:44 +0000

Samsung has announced that its HDR10+ picture standard will expand across games and IPTV services in the coming months.

Having already added the gaming-specific variant of HDR10+ to some of its own monitors and TVs released this year, other manufacturers and brands - such as Nvidia - are adopting it too. There is no indication yet from game developers on whether they will support HDR10+, but once the hardware is readily available, there's no reason why not.

The rival HDR picture standard, Dolby Vision, is already supported on Xbox consoles and some games offer it as an option.

HDR10+ is an extension of the common HDR10 picture standard used by many games and movies. HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology enables a display to show a wider spectrum of colours, plus increased brightness and contrast, in comparison with standard images. However, with the normal HDR standard, picture metadata is applied for the entire piece of content, so while it looks more inolving and accurate, it doesn't take into account the needs of different locations or scenes, say.

HDR10+ is more dynamic than that. It adapts the metadata on a frame-by-frame basis, ensuring that brighter scenes look more vibrant, while darker ones have deeper black levels, without crushing details. It is similar to Dolby Vision in that respect.

Nvidia recently announced that its latest RTX and GTX graphics cards will support HDR10+, while Apple is also supporting the standard on its new Apple TV 4K box (plus the Apple TV app on Samsung TVs).

Some other television manufacturers also offer HDR10+ on their sets, under licence from Samsung, such as Philips and Panasonic.

The Mandalorian season 3: Release date, trailers, and how to catch up

Maggie Tillman — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:59:00 +0000

The third season of The Mandalorian will be arriving in early 2023. Here's everything you need to know about the new season - including cast, plot rumours, trailers, and when and where you'll be able to stream it.

What order should you watch all the Star Wars films and shows?

The Mandalorian season 3 release date

Release date: 1 March 2023

At the Star Wars Celebration 2022, it was announced that the next instalment of The Mandalorian saga will land in February 2023.

Then, at the start of November 2022, we got confirmation that it will in fact be arriving on 1 March 2023, which means that target was just slightly missed.

The Mandalorian and Grogu return March 1 only on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/h0NrVMIT4V
— The Mandalorian (@themandalorian) December 1, 2022

We're expecting a weekly release schedule, like in previous seasons, but that has yet to be confirmed.

The Mandalorian season 3: Where can you stream it?

Just like seasons one and two of The Mandalorian, the new season will be coming to the Disney+ platform, too.

squirrel_widget_187869

The Mandalorian season 3: Are there any trailers yet?

While at D23, Disney debuted the first trailer for season three of The Mandalorian. It's the same one that was shown behind closed doors at Star Wars Celebration. You can watch it at the top of this page.

The Mandalorian season 3: Cast, rumours, and what to expect

Pedro Pascal will return as Din Djarin (aka The Mandalorian or Mando), and Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) will be back by his side. In fact, Grogu reuniting with Mando will likely be a major plot point.

Season three follows the events of The Book of Boba Fett, the 2021 Disney+ miniseries that featured Mando as a guest. Grogu had to choose between becoming a Jedi or staying with Mando. He chose the latter. It's therefore unclear if Luke Skywalker will continue to have a part in The Mandalorian, but it seems like Moff Gideon is still the show's main villain, as actor Giancarlo Esposito told EW that Gideon will have a bigger role in season three.

The last we saw Mando and Grogu, they had left Tatooine, with Mando going on a quest to visit "the living waters" under the planet Mandore in order to regain his honour and become a Mandalorian again. Remember, Mando took off his helmet at the end of season two of The Mandalorian and thus damaged his relationship with the Armorer and his clan. And don't forget that, while this is all happening, Moff Gideon wants to capture Grogu.

Mando also defeated Moff Gideon in battle, winning the ownership of the Darksaber. This might serve as a point of contention between not only Moff and Mando but also Mando and Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) in the new season.

In an interview with ComicBook, Jon Favreau hinted at a more nuanced relationship between Mando and Bo-Katan, saying: "Having those two characters weave together, I think, really caught people in an unexpected way. Two sets of Mandalorians that actually seem very different co-existing in the same world, so, now as we go into the next season, we start to really explore what that means and how those characters might see eye to eye or maybe not get along at all."

Carl Weathers is on deck to return as Greef Karga, an agent of the Bounty Hunters' Guild. He has confirmed that he will direct again, too. As for actors not coming back, Sasha Banks isn't returning as Koska Reeves. Neither is Gina Carano's Cara Dune due to her social media activity. Last but not least: New cast additions. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Christopher Lloyd - The Back to the Future actor - is on the call sheet for The Mandalorian.

The Mandalorian was created by Favreau, and he wrote most of the new season. He's executive producing with Kathleen Kennedy and Lucasfilm. Filming for the season started in October last year and reportedly wrapped in March.

The Mandalorian season 3: How to catch up on season 1 and 2

In order to be prepared for the third season of The Mandalorian, you should watch the first two seasons of the show on Disney+.

Watch The Mandalorian | Disney+

If you have time, consider watching The Mandalorian's spinoff show: The Book of Boba Fett. It's available to watch on Disney+, and gives you some clues as to what to expect from season 3.

Watch The Book of Boba Fett | Disney+

You can even take things to the next level and watch the entire Star Wars franchise. Pocket-lint has an in-depth guide that details the Star Wars timeline and the correct order to watch all the movies and shows: Star Wars order: Best order to watch the movies and shows.

The Mandalorian season 3: Will it be the last season?

While we obviously don't yet know what the third season has in store for Din Djarin and Grogu, there are already plenty of signs pointing toward the series continuing with at least a fourth season down the line.

Speaking at the 2022 edition of the annual Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, series creator Jon Favreau confirmed that he's working on a fourth season already, in the form of story concepts and ideas (and presumably script-writing).

As we know from The Book of Boba Fett, there are also plenty of opportunities for crossovers with other shows that are coming to Disney+ like Ahsoka, so we might end up seeing more of Din even before a fourth season arrives.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny: Release date, cast and everything you need to know

Chris Hall — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:35:41 +0000

Indiana Jones 5 has been a little like the search for the holy grail, but now, finally, this latest instalment in the franchise is actually happening.

Harrison Ford cracks his whip once again and adventures are sure to follow.

Here's everything we know about Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny so far.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny release date

30 June 2023

The cinema release date for Indiana Jones has been confirmed by Lucasfilm to be 30 June 2023.

The project has been on the cards a long time, however, with the original plan for this fifth outing to be released in 2019. A lot has happened since then, but at least we now have a date for 2023.

In 2023, Harrison Ford returns as the legendary #IndianaJones. Check out this first look of the new James Mangold-directed film. pic.twitter.com/ALs82tsmXw
— Indiana Jones (@IndianaJones) May 26, 2022

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny trailer

We've embedded the first trailer for the next Indiana Jones movie at the top of this piece - it appeared at the very start of December 2022. You can also find it on YouTube here.

So far, that's the only glimpse we've had of the movie, but it's surprisingly not that barebones a trailer. Instead, it features plenty of looks at Harrison Ford in his iconic role, along with what is clearly a fairly major part for Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Indy's goddaughter Helena.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny plot: How does this fit in?

Very little has been revealed about the plot for this fifth film. There have been some rumours that it will be set in the 60s, meaning that Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones is the correct age compared to the earlier films through the 1930s.

However, shots from the filming set reveal Nazi emblems, as does the first trailer, so it's possible that puts the timeline back into the 1930s-40s. This could be a flashback, however - at the moment it's difficult to know - although the IMDB listing also has a number of SS roles attributed, again suggesting a Nazi story link.

From that trailer, though, we're thinking we can expect a storyline that jumps around in time a fair bit.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny cast

While we don't know a lot about the plot, we do have a number of cast members, although we don't know the characters they will play:

Harrison Ford - Indiana Jones
Phoebe Waller-Bridge - Helena
Mads Mikkelsen - Voller
Boyd Holbrook - Klaber
Thomas Kretschman
Shaunette Renée Wilson
Toby Jones
Antonio Banderas

How to catch up on Indiana Jones: Where can I stream the films?

Despite Lucasfilm now being part of Disney, you won't actually find the existing movies on Disney+. Instead, Paramount has the rights to the first four films, so they are available on Paramount+.

The films are widely available to buy, too.

We have a full guide to the best order to watch the Indiana Jones films right here - including the Young Indiana Jones TV Series!

squirrel_widget_12852760

Grado GW100X review: Wireless open-back magic

Luke Baker — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Grado is a family-run headphone manufacturer from Brooklyn, New York, with a seven-decade history. It focuses almost exclusively on open-back headphones and is thought by many to produce some of the finest examples in the world.

In 2018, it introduced its first Bluetooth model, the Grado GW100. The heritage was plain to see, but the wireless functionality opened up a new world of convenience.

Now, the brand has launched the GW100X. On the surface, a very similar set of headphones, but with new drivers, an upgrade to Bluetooth 5.2 and longer battery life, the GW100X could prove to be something quite exciting.

We've been listening to them over the past few weeks, and here's what we've learned.

Design and build

Weight: 188 grams
Plastic construction with a metal padded headband
Classic Grado styling

We haven't tried a new set of Grado headphones since the SR80, which we purchased almost a decade ago. In terms, of design, not all that much has changed in the time since. That can be said with all of Grado's cans dating back to the early nineties, there's a distinct retro style that's found on all of the brand's offerings, and we're big fans of the aesthetic.

The GW100X are constructed mostly from plastic, with a metal mesh back situated behind the drivers. The usual friction-based pole system is present for adjustability, although this has been updated since the older models and no longer allows for full 360-degree rotation. We were pleased to see the addition of these hard stops as the old free-spinning design allows cables to tangle, and even though this model is wireless, each earcup is connected by a wire running through the headband, so it could still cause trouble.

The headband is made from a flexible metal band, covered in a leatherette fabric with a decent amount of padding. This is another addition that we're pleasantly surprised by, as a number of Grado headphones forego padding entirely, including our ageing SR80s.

So far, so good. However, for those less familiar with the Grado brand, we expect you might not be so pleased with the build quality. This is a premium set of headphones, after all, with a premium price tag to match and the build feels quite the opposite.

The headphones are very lightweight, and the open design leads to them feeling quite hollow. This is a positive when they're on your head, as it adds to the comfort, but it also means they feel pretty flimsy, and you'd certainly think twice before chucking them in a backpack without some kind of case.

The retro styling also means that there's no folding mechanism for easy packing, but given the open-back nature of these headphones, they're more likely to be used around the home than on the go, so this probably won't matter to most users.

The ear cups have a flat foam padding that sits on the ears, rather than around them. This is again very similar to our old SR80s. With both headphones, we found that this padding takes a little time to get used to, but is fairly comfortable once broken in. However, we did notice some pinching when wearing glasses, which was rather uncomfortable, so you might want to take that into account.

On the left earcup, we get a chunky volume rocker and power button for controlling media playback. There's also a 3.5mm input for connecting wired sources and a USB-C port for charging, both cables are supplied in the box.

Interestingly, the USB-C port is covered by a rubber bung, and we have no idea why. There's no weatherproofing to speak of, so this bung doesn't really serve a purpose. It doesn't matter, it's easy to remove when needed, we just found it curious.

Sound quality

Open-back design
Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
4th Generation 44mm dynamic drivers

The Grado GW100X are about one thing above all else, and that's the sound quality. We're pleased to report that, in this area, they don't disappoint at all. It's unmistakably the signature Grado sound, with an airy openness, exceptional detail and wide staging.

We were worried that the addition of Bluetooth hardware, along with the work that has been done to reduce sound leakage, would negatively affect the sound produced. On the contrary, these might be the best-sounding Grados that we've tested to date. Compared to passive models, there's a significant addition of warmth that's very welcome and doesn't impede on the mid-range performance. It's a lovely sound.

If we had to pick out a negative aspect, it might be that the staging isn't quite as wide as the brand's passive headphones, but it's not a dramatic difference.

We did most of our listening connected to an Android smartphone over Bluetooth using AptX Adaptive, and the fidelity is hard to fault. With a wired connection, using an external DAC connected to a Windows PC, there's a slight increase in detail rendition, but the overall signature sounds very similar.

Grado says it has reduced escaping sound by up to 60 per cent on its wireless models, but make no mistake, there's still a lot of leakage. It is noticeably reduced from passive models, but you'll still be emitting enough sound that you're unlikely to want to use these headphones in a shared office space or on public transport.

This, combined with the amount of sound that is let in, means you are quite limited in where you can use these headphones. Around the house they are superb, so long as there's no screaming kids about, and you certainly won't miss the doorbell ringing. You can also cross roads very safely while wearing them, but the noise of a major city will likely prove too much to contend with.

Features and battery life

Bluetooth 5.2 or 3.5mm wired input
Bluetooth multipoint connection
850mAh battery - 46 hours per charge

Aside from the new drivers, the features that set these headphones apart from their predecessors are the upgrade to Bluetooth 5.2 and extended battery life. The expected playback time is now a staggering 46 hours at 50 per cent volume, and given how loud these can go, that's likely where you'll find yourself.

We charged the headphones up on arrival and still haven't managed to run them down fully, we can't imagine anyone having complaints about their longevity. There's no fancy fast charging tech here, but depite that, the GW100X only take 2 hours to charge up from flat.

Bluetooth pairing was extremely easy and multipoint meant that we were able to connect to our PC and phone at the same time. If you're unfamiliar, this tech means that you can listen to music or watch a video on your computer, then if a phone call comes in, the audio will seamlessly switch to the phone whilst also pausing your media. It's extremely handy, and hard to live without once you get used to it.

We found the Bluetooth connection to be extremely stable, with no hiccups at all. These headphones can't stray as far from the source as our Microsoft Surface Headphones 2, but you can wander far enough for it not to be a hinderance.

This Epic Games app lets you photograph objects and turn them into 3D models

Maggie Tillman — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:36:09 +0000

Epic Games has released a fun mobile app for creators called RealityScan. Available for iPhone and iPad users, the free app, which was previously available in a closed beta, lets you scan objects and things in the world with your phone and then turn them into high-def 3D models.

Keep in mind Epic Games bought Capturing Reality, a photogrammetry software company. Like the company's desktop software, RealityScan combines 2D images to make 3D assets for creators to use in graphic design, games, movie work, and more. Imagine being able to go anywhere and capture something with your phone that you can then manipulate and upload into a project of your own use.

The video below shows an example of how you could use the RealityScan app:

To use the app, you need an Epic Games account, and you need to take at least 20 photos of an object from all sides. As you move your phone around, you will see a map in real time that shows you well-photographed areas with green dots. Anything in yellow and red could use more images. You can switch between the map and a full-color render. The app uploads and aligns the images in the cloud so you can preview everything in the camera view.

Later, you can crop it, so you can capture a specific thing and not everything around it. Reflective or wet surfaces might not work, and you get better results with larger objects. Once you're done, you can export it to Epic's 3D platform Sketchfab for use in 3D, VR, and AR projects.

RealityScan is available for free for iOS and iPadOS users on the App Store. Epic said an Android version will arrive later in the year.

What is Spotify Wrapped, what does it show you, and how do you find it?

Maggie Tillman — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:07:20 +0000

You might've seen this thing trending called Spotify Wrapped. In fact, it happens every holiday season.

At the end of the year, Spotify crunches the data and reveals to each user their most listened-to songs as well as the top artists, genres, and podcasts that the listener played during the year. This event has evolved over the years to include new features (like a description of your "audio aura").

If you want to find your Spotify Wrapped for 2022, here's how - plus, everything you need to know about Spotify Wrapped.

What is Spotify Wrapped?

Spotify Wrapped began in 2016. Released annually during the holidays for free, it's basically a fun way for Spotify users to show off their music taste on social media as well as to learn more about their listening habits. It's a visual representation of the songs, artists, genres, and podcasts they listened to the most from January 1 to October 31. Users typically widely share their Spotify Wrapped results on Twitter, Instagram, and other sites.

As part of Spotify Wrapped, Spotify also reveals the most popular artists, songs, albums, and podcasts globally and regionally for the past year.

collection:

What is Spotify Wrapped, what does it show you, and how do you find it? gallery 2

What does Spotify Wrapped show you?

Spotify Wrapped has evolved over the past six years. For 2022, Wrapped includes cards (aka "stories") for the following:

My Top Genres
Audio Day
- Music listened to during My mornings, My afternoon, and My nights
My Minutes Listened
My Top Song
My Top Songs
My Top Artist
My Top Artists
Your Listening Personality

Audio Day is new, and Spotify describes it as an interactive story that "gives you a peek into how your music taste evolved throughout the day, Audio Day showcases the niche moods and aesthetic descriptors of the music you listened to during morning, midday, and evening time periods".

There is also a new card/story available for avid listeners called Your Listening Personality. Spotify said, with this new card, it's showcasing "16 different Listening Personality types" that showcase your listening personality based on how you listened to music throughout the year.

You can also access a Wrapped story at the end that combines results from all the other cards. At the end of the Spotify Wrapped slideshow, Spotify compiles the most important parts of your Spotify Wrapped - such as the top songs of the year, minutes listened, and top artists - into a playlist.

How to find your Spotify Wrapped

To access Spotify Wrapped 2022, launch the latest version of the Spotify app and go to Home > #SPOTIFYWRAPPED > Your 2022 in review.

When does Spotify Wrapped release?

Spotify Wrapped 2022 launched on 30 November. Last year, Wrapped launched on 1 December. It typically releases at the end of the year.

Where can you share Spotify Wrapped?

Spotify users can share their Spotify Wrapped to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok.

For each card in your Spotify Wrapped, you will see the option to share it. Just click or tap on the share button when you see it and post it to your preferred social media platform. You can also embed it on a website or blog. If you want to share your Spotify Wrapped playlist, simply go to the playlist at the end and tap or click the three dots and then click share to get the link, which you can then send to whoever or wherever you want.

This year, you can also unlock a personalised Snapchat lens that reflects your Listening Personality, in addition to Wrapped-themed apparel for Bitmojis as well as Wrapped-themed GIFs across all GIPHY partners. Spotify Wrapped in 2022 is also taking over Roblox on the Spotify Island mainland, with Wrapped-themed quests, games, virtual merch, and photo booth opportunities with 12 different artists such as Tove Lo.

collection:

What is Spotify Wrapped, what does it show you, and how do you find it? gallery 1

Who is the most listened-to artist on Spotify?

Spotify Wrapped lists which artists are the most listened to in the world and regionally, such as in the US.

In 2022, Bad Bunny was the most-played artist on worldwide for the third year in a row - with more than 18.5 billion streams this year. The second most-streamed artist (and the most-streamed female artist of the year) is Taylor Swift. She was followed by Drake, The Weeknd, and BTS.

However, in the US, Drake topped the list for the most listened-to artist, followed by Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Kanye West, and The Weeknd.

What is the most listened-to song on Spotify?

For 2022, Spotify’s most-streamed song - both in the US and gobally - was Harry Styles' "As It Was" with more than 1.6 billion streams.

What is the most listened-to album on Spotify?

For Spotify's most streamed album, Bad Bunny dominated the charts - both in the US and globally - with Un Verano Sin Ti.

What is the most listened-to podcast on Spotify?

Spotify Wrapped also lists which podcasts are the most listened to, and of course, the top podcasts were from Spotify’s own programming. In the US and globally, The Joe Rogan Experience took top honors, followed by Call Her Daddy, Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain, and Caso 63.

Want to know more?

Check out Spotify's blog post about Spotify Wrapped 2022. You can also see the Spotify Wrapped website here.

How to fix Samsung black screen issue

Pocket-lint Promotion — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:28:00 +0000

If you own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, chances are you’ve encountered the black screen issue that prevents you from using your phone.

While it’s frustrating, it is a common issue that can be solved through a variety of methods.

What are the causes of a Samsung Galaxy black screen?

There are several potential reasons as to the cause of Samsung Galaxy phones encountering a black screen. It could be that your device’s battery is dead, or you may need to restart your phone to bypass it.

Another cause could be that system has crashed due to insufficient storage or incompatible apps. When there’s a conflict, the screen on a Samsung Galaxy can suddenly go black.

3 methods to fix the black screen issue

To fix the black screen issue on your Samsung device, there are a couple of things you can try.

Remove SD Card: There’s a chance your SD card is incompatible with your Samsung Galaxy phone. Try removing the SD card and then rebooting your device to see if the black screen issue has been resolved.
Soft Reset: Cut all power to your phone by turning it off. Remove the battery for 30 seconds then restart the phone once the battery has been replaced.
Enter Recovery Mode: Press and hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons at the same time. When your Samsung device vibrates, release the Power button but continue holding the Volume Up and Power buttons. When the Android System Recovery screen appears, you can use the Volume Down button to highlight the Wipe Cache Partition option. Finally, press the Power button to select it.

How to fix Samsung black screen with one click

To save time and effort from trying to find out what has caused the Samsung black screen, and how to fix it, you can use DroidKit. It’s a complete solution for issues encountered on Android devices, including a screen unlocker, data recovery, system fix, and more.

Here’s how to use DroidKit to fix the Samsung black screen issue:

Download the latest version of DroidKit on your computer. Launch the application and connect your Android device.

Select Fix System Issues.

Once your device has been detected, click the Start button.

Click Download Now to download the firmware, then click Fix Now.

Put your device into download mode (the instructions on-screen will help you to achieve this).

Once the process has finished, your Android device will automatically start repairing. You’ll receive a System Fixed Successfully notification on the software to indicate that the system issues have been fixed.

Not only is DroidKit easy to use, but it can also fix a wide variety of Android OS issues with a few simple clicks. You don’t need any previous technical experience to use it. Plus, it’s available on Windows and Mac systems, and all Samsung phones and tablets are supported.

An easy solution

Discovering that your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet has encountered a black screen can be quite daunting. Especially if you’re not sure what has caused the issue or how to fix it.

Using DroidKit, you can easily resolve issues with your Samsung device in a few simple steps.

How to split screen on a Chromebook

Adrian Willings — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:20:00 +0000

If you're looking to be more productive on Chromebook then the split-screen mode will really help.

Just like a Windows laptop, it's possible to split-screen on a Chromebook so you can put apps side-by-side and do more than one thing at a time.

It's also relatively easy to do, so we're showing you how.

How to drag and snap for split screen

One of the simplest ways to activate split screen on a Chromebook is very similar to the way you'd do it in Windows. This involves dragging Chrome and snapping it to the side.

In order to do this, you need to follow these steps:

Open the app you want to split screen with
Click the maximise/restore button on the app. That's the button with the two squares in it next to the close and minimise button in the top right of the app
Click and drag the app to the left or right-hand side of the screen
Let go of the mouse button
Repeat the process on the opposite side of the screen with the other app

This should then have put both apps side-by-side in a split screen view.

Alternatively, you can do this by simply dragging and dropping the app where you want it. To do this:

Click on the app top of the app on your Chromebook
Drag it with your mouse or trackpad to the side you want it
Once it's there, release the mouse and allow it to snap
Repeat this process with the second app on the opposite side

How to split screen with keyboard shortcuts

As well as using your mouse or trackpad to put apps into split screen you can also use keyboard shortcuts.

To do this:

Launch Chrome or the app that you want to use in split screen mode
Press ALT and [ at the same time to snap the app to the left of the screen
Now click on the other app
Press ALT and ] at the same time to snap the other app to the right side of the screen
Enjoy your split screen productivity

Other useful shortcuts

There are some other keyboard shortcuts worth knowing too. Some of these will help with multi-tasking and making the most of your Chromebook:

Press ALT and = keys to maximise an app
Press ALT and - keys to minimise an app
Press ALT and Tab to view the different apps you're currently using

Best upcoming games for Xbox Series X and Series S: The top next-gen games for 2022 and beyond

Max Freeman-Mills — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:11:00 +0000

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are now familiar sights in living rooms and homes around the world. Of course, no console is much without games - not even the "most powerful" in the world.

That's why we've put together a list of the games that are on their way to the Xbox Series X and S.

Some will also be part of the monthly Xbox Game Pass membership scheme, which will save you a stack of money. And some will also be part of Xbox's Smart Delivery programme, meaning that if you buy them for Xbox One you'll get them on Series X or Series S for free.

squirrel_widget_158169

Our most anticipated upcoming Xbox Series X and S games

The Callisto Protocol

Publisher: Krafton
Release date: 2 December 2022
Exclusive? No, also on PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC

A horror game from the minds behind Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol looks like it could be pretty harrowing, with a LOT of ways to die baked into its gameplay. Things are violent and unsettling, and we can't wait to explore its creepy space prison setting.

Everything we know about The Callisto Protocol: Release date, gameplay and platforms

squirrel_widget_12856341

Need for Speed: Unbound

Publisher: EA
Release date: 2 December 2022
Exclusive? No, also on PS5 and PC

A new Need for Speed game is on the horizon, promising more car customisation than ever before, with massive street races to take part in. For the first time, you'll be able to create custom effects to accompany your racing, too, inspired by graffiti, and it looks nice and vibrant

Everything we know about Need for Speed Unbound: Trailers, release date and more

squirrel_widget_12856338

Dead Space

Publisher: EA
Release Date: 27 January 2023
Exclusive? No, also on PS5 and PC

EA has resurrected its terrifying science-fiction franchise and is making a full remake of the original game. It should be absolutely horrifying, using the power of next-gen to summon up some sights we hoped we'd never see again.

Dead Space remake: Trailers, gameplay details and everything you need to know

squirrel_widget_12861203

Hogwarts Legacy

Publisher: Warner Bros.
Release date: 10 February 2023
Exclusive? No, also on PS5, PS4, Xbox One, PC and Switch

We've waited too long for a proper big-budget game set in the world of Harry Potter, and will finally get to scratch that itch with Hogwarts Legacy. Set back in the past, you'll guide your students through their classes while also fighting a major threat to the wizarding world.

Hogwarts Legacy: Release date, platforms and everything we know so far about the Harry Potter RPG

squirrel_widget_12855252

Dead Island 2

Publisher: Deep Silver
Release Date: 28 April 2023
Exclusive? No, also on PS5, PS4, Xbox One and PC

A sequel that has taken long years to arrive, Dead Island 2 seems like it will expand on the original game in massive ways, with a way bigger world, more in-depth combat and a whole bunch of zombies for you to slaughter in new and inventive ways.

squirrel_widget_12861202

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Publisher: Warner Bros.
Release date? Spring 2023
Exclusive? No, also on PS5, PS4 and PC

We're finally ready to get back into a Rocksteady game, years after it last dropped some Batman goodness into our laps. This game will let players take on the roles of a few nasty pieces of work in the Suicide Squad, tasked with taking down corrupted versions of the Justice League's heroes.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League - Trailers, story and everything we know

Starfield

Publisher: Bethesda
Release date: Early 2023
Exclusive? No, also on PC

Starfield is the next big Bethesda franchise (or so it hopes), with a huge 1,000-planet galaxy for you to explore, bases to build and spaceships to fly. There will be a deep story that you can shape with your choices, and it looks pretty great so far.

Starfield: Trailers, release date and everything you need to know

Forza Motorsport

Publisher: Turn10
Release date: Spring 2023
Exclusive? No, also on Xbox One

The next Forza game is looking absolutely jaw-dropping in terms of fidelity, and it's clear that this will end up being one of the best-looking racing games ever made. We can't wait to dive in.

Everything we know about Forza Motorsport: Trailers, gameplay and more

Diablo 4

Publisher: Activision Blizzard
Release date: 2023
Exclusive? No, also on PS5 and PC

We've been waiting years for the next big Diablo game, and the fourth in the series looks like it should deliver a gory, dark campaign followed by near-endless satisfying endgame content, too. With five classes to pick from, it should have plenty of variety to offer up.

Everything you need to know about Diablo 4: Story, classes and trailers

Alan Wake 2

Publisher: Epic Games
Release date: 2023
Exclusive? No, also on PS5 and PC

Alan Wake is back, at last, and Remedy says that his mainline sequel will be more survival-horror focussed than the last game, which sounds like it could potentially make for a pretty terrifying package. The teaser trailer is ominous so we can't wait to learn more.

Everything we know about Alan Wake 2: Story, trailer and more

Redfall

Publisher: Bethesda
Release date: 2023
Exclusive? Yes

Redfall is coming from the brilliant minds at Arkane, and seems to be set in a world of vampires and magic powers. It looks like vibrant fun, with four-player co-op built into the game from the ground up, which should make it a very new sort of challenge.

Everything we know about Redfall: Trailers, story, gameplay and more

Minecraft Legends

Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Release date: 2023
Exclusive? No, also on PS5, PS4, Xbox One, PC and Switch

An all-new game in the Minecraft universe, Legends sees you take control of armies of followers, but also able to exert an influence over battles yourself thanks to fun hack-and-slash combat. It looks really fun and perfect for gamers with families.

Minecraft Legends preview: Hands-off with Minecraft RTS at Gamescom

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Publisher: Team Cherry
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on Switch and PC

Hollow Knight was a masterpiece from an indie studio, offering up a simply brilliant metroidvania action game of exploration and growth with a real challenge at its heart. The long-awaited sequel, Silksong, will be on Game Pass when it launches, which should be music to the ears of any keen indie gamer.

Everything we know about Hollow Knight Silksong: Trailer, gameplay and more

The Lord of the Rings - Gollum

Publisher: Daedelic Entertainment
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on PS5, Windows 10 (rumoured)

Gollum will apparently be a story-driven action adventure and from a studio well-versed in such things. We also know it's coming to next-gen consoles, and its artistic vision looks pretty interesting so far.

Alone in the Dark

Publisher: THQ Nordic
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on PS5 and PC

An iconic franchise returns with this reboot of Alone in the Dark, set in the American deep south, and summoning very creepy vibes if the reveal trailer is anything to go by. We don't have a release window to look forward to at this stage, though.

Everything we know about Alone in the Dark: Trailers, story and more

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on PC

The first Space Marine came out a decent while ago, but was a well-like third-person action and shooter that felt like a nice way into the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Now, it's finally getting a sequel, and from the glimpses of gameplay at the end of the announcement trailer, it should be a bloody good time.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2

squirrel_widget_178107

Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Windows 10

A new, superb trailer has got us even more excited for this long-awaited RPG sequel. We also saw previous footage running with ray-tracing at an Nvidia event during Gamescom 2019, so have a great idea what to expect on Xbox Series X with its similarly capable graphics.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II

Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on Xbox One and Windows 10

Ninja Theory's first Senua game - Hallblade: Senua's Sacrifice - not only wowed with its almost photorealistic graphics but the clever, well-informed grasp on mental health issues was much lauded. The sequel looks even more stunning, based on a trailer made entirely using the in-game engine. The action-adventure will apparently be available on the older=generation Xbox, but we suspect it'll be the Series X version everyone will be talking about.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 - Trailers, story and everything we know

Fable

Publisher: Playground Games
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on Windows 10

A beloved franchise is returning with the as-yet simply-titled Fable, bringing players back to Albion and its topsy-turvy world of moral extremes. The teaser we got gives us almost nothing to go on, but we're sure it'll promise much more witty humour and fantasy tropes.

Wonder Woman

Publisher: Warner Bros.
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on PS5 and PC

Diana Prince is finally getting a proper mainstream videogame adaptation, likely as a result of the recognition factor that Gal Gadot's movie version has garnered. We can't wait to learn more about what the game will bring to the table.

Star Wars Eclipse

Publisher: LucasFilm Games
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on PS5 and PC

The next game from Quantic Dream will be a story-driven multi-character Star Wars adventure set during the High Republic era, and while the trailer above has plenty of vivid imagery we don't know a huge amount about the story this game will try to tell.

State of Decay 3

Publisher: Undead Labs
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on Xbox One and Windows 10

The State of Decay franchise lives on, and will drop its third iteration on Xbox Series X - the first trailer looks absolutely amazing, even if it's got no gameplay to share. It looks like animals are getting infected, though, which could be a game-changer when it comes to making your way around. Hopefully, we'll learn more soon.

Everything we know about State of Decay 3: Trailer, gameplay details and more

The Outer Worlds 2

Publisher: Take-Two Interactive
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on PC

If you're going to make a trailer that contains almost no details, you might as well poke fun at yourself while you do, as this great announcement teaser for The Outer Worlds 2 manages. We'll doubtless find out plenty more about the game down the line but, for now, it's great to know that it's on the way.

The Elder Scrolls 6

Publisher: Bethesda
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on PC

We've not heard a peep about The Elder Scrolls 6 since its tease at E3 2018. However, after the massive news of Bethesda being bought entirely by Microsoft, we know that when it does eventually appear, it'll be on Game Pass from day one, and could even be an Xbox exclusive.

Elder Scrolls 6: Everything you need to know about the Skyrim sequel

Gothic

Publisher: THQ Nordic
Release date: TBC
Exclusive? No, also on PS5, Windows 10

After releasing a playable teaser for PC on Steam, which was very well received, THQ Nordic decided to greenlight a fully remastered, remade version of RPG Gothic. It also announced that it will be coming to the next-generation consoles too.

Best upcoming PS5 games: PlayStation titles to anticipate in 2022 and beyond

Max Freeman-Mills — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 16:33:00 +0000

Sony's PlayStation 5 has now been out for a good long while. Although there were some superb games to enjoy at launch already, there are even more coming down the pike over the next few months.

Best PlayStation 5 games: Amazing PS5 titles to pick up

We've gathered the best contenders, right here for you, from confirmed releases to games that we're certain are in the pipeline, including new trailers wherever they exist.

squirrel_widget_2679939

The Callisto Protocol

Release date: 2 December 2022
PS5 exclusive? No, also on PS4, Xbox and PC
Publisher: Krafton

A horror game from the mind behind the original Dead Space - and you can see the heritage in the trailer above. The Callisto Protocol looks absolutely terrifying, full of nasty monsters and jump scares to go with a more creeping sense of tension.

Everything we know about The Callisto Protocol: Release date, gameplay and platforms

squirrel_widget_12853057

Need for Speed Unbound

Release date: 2 December 2022
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox Series X/S and PC
Publisher: EA

One of the most popular racing franchises on the planet returns with a new entry inspired by street art, with a visual style that's all new. It looks like we'll be able to go deep on car customisation, which is always welcome, with a new open world to explore.

Everything we know about Need for Speed Unbound: Trailers, release date and more

squirrel_widget_12856340

Forspoken

Release date: 24 January 2023
PS5 exclusive? Yes
Publisher: Square Enix

This all-new game from Square Enix sees an unlikely heroine transported to a magical realm, where she finds she's got more up her sleeve than she ever realised. Forspoken looks like a rollicking good time, and the visual side of things is shaping up amazingly.

Forspoken: Trailer, release date, platforms and everything you need to know

squirrel_widget_6635631

Dead Space

Release date: 27 January 2023
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox Series X and PC
Publisher: EA

Dead Space is back - a full remake of the first game is on the way. It'll be a next-gen only experience, too, so we'd expect it to take advantage of the DualSense's advanced haptics and the console's 3D audio for truly terrifying levels of immersion.

Dead Space remake: Trailer, gameplay details and everything you need to know

squirrel_widget_12856279

Hogwarts Legacy

Release date: 10 February 2023
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox Series X and PC
Publisher: Warner Bros

It's finally happening - a proper, big-budget game set in the marvellous world of Harry Potter (even if it's ditching his name). This sprawling RPG has finally had a trailer and looks incredible, although we'll look forward to learning more about exactly what structure it'll take.

Hogwarts Legacy story, formats and everything you need to know about the Harry Potter RPG

Players will have their own wizard to guide through 1800s Hogwarts and the world around it, all of it bringing brand-new stories to the table.

squirrel_widget_12855240

Skull and Bones

Release date: 9 March 2023
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox Series X/S, PC and Stadia
Publisher: Ubisoft

Skull and Bones has taken so long to surface that it was repeatedly rumoured to have been cancelled at various stages, but the pirate game is finally about to come out, and looks like a good time. You'll kit out not just your captain but their ship in the loadout you choose, and take on the high seas with a scurrilous crew to help you.

squirrel_widget_12853702

Resident Evil 4 Remake

Release date: 23 March 2023
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox Series X/S and PC
Publisher: Capcom

We're getting another in the line of extremely polished remakes or reimaginings of Resident Evil games, it's been confirmed, and next up is perhaps the most influential and critically acclaimed of them all, Resi 4. Leon's harrowing journey to rescue the President's daughter looks like it's being upgraded in a huge number of ways, and we can't wait to revisit it.

Everything you need to know about the Resident Evil 4 remake: Trailer, release date and more

Dead Island 2

Release date: 28 April 2023
PS5 exclusive? No, also on PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC
Publisher: Deep Silver

This long-dormant franchise is back, with a sequel that has taken absolutely years to arrive after many rumours of cancellation and delays. It looks like it's going to be a more vibrant, violent zombie-infested time than ever before, too.

With loads of melee combat to explore and a whole island full of zombies to avoid and eviscerate as you see fit, things could get really bloody in Dead Island 2.

squirrel_widget_12861200

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Release date: Early 2023
PS5 Exclusive? No also on Xbox Series X/S and PC
Publisher: Warner Bros.

Rocksteady finally returns after a quiet period following its acclaimed Arkham games, and it's back in the DC universe. This time it's taking on the Suicide Squad, with a four-man team of miscreants tasked with bumping off the corrupted superhero lineup of the Justice League.

It looks like colourful fun, and unlike the Batman games you've got multiple styles of combat to embrace between the various characters, so we can't wait to get our hands on it and try it for ourselves.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League - Trailers, story and everything we know

Final Fantasy XVI

Release date: Summer 2023
PS5 exclusive? Yes
Publisher: Square Enix

Final Fantasy might be bidding goodbye to party-based combat, if the trailers for the next main instalment are anything to go by, with a darker fantasy tale that looks to have one main protagonist that you control in combat. Of course, that could just be what we've seen so far, and it looks incredibly gorgeous on the PS5.

Final Fantasy 16: Story, trailer and everything you need to know

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Release date: Winter 2023
PS5 exclusive? Yes
Publisher: Square Enix

Square has more than one big Final Fantasy game on the way, and the next instalment in its remake-come-sequel series has been announced for late-2023. It looks as gorgeous as ever, and promises to take Cloud's story in even more twisty directions thanks to the timeline shenanigans established at the end of the first part.

We're looking forward to exploring more of the world now that Cloud's properly established with a bunch of his original party members in the forms of Aerith, Tifa, Yuffie, Red and Barrett.

Everything we know about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Trailer, release date and more

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Release date: 2023
PS5 exclusive? Yes
Publisher: Sony

Insomniac's hot streak with the web-slinger continues - after the expandalone Miles Morales adventure, Peter Parker and Miles will be teaming up in the new game, due out in 2023 and featuring a slathering antagonist in the form of the fearsome Venom.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Trailers, platforms and everything you need to know

Diablo 4

Release date: 2023
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox Series X/S and PC
Publisher: Activision Blizzard

We're looking forward to diving back into the addictive loot-fountain world of Diablo for the first full game in years, and with five classes to choose from and a huge open world to move around, it looks like it's going to offer up a wealth of opportunities to hack and slash.

Everything you need to know about Diablo 4: Story, classes and trailers

Street Fighter 6

Release date: 2023
PS5 exclusive? No, also on PS4, Xbox and PC
Publisher: Capcom

The next big Street Fighter is on the way, with a new art style and what looks like it might be a free-roaming adventure mode, a huge potential shift for the series. There are new and returning fighters, and we're hugely looking forward to seeing how it handles.

Street Fighter 6: Everything we know about SF6

Alan Wake 2

Release date: 2023
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox and PC
Publisher: Epic Games

At long last, we get a continuation of tortured writer Alan Wake's story from Remedy, after its universe was tied into that of Control in that game's last expansion. The new Alan Wake will apparently skew more into survival horror rather than action, which sounds nice and scary.

Everything we know about Alan Wake 2: Story, trailer and more

Minecraft Legends

Release date: 2023
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox, Switch and PC
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Mojang is back with a new game in the world of Minecraft - this time, it's an action-strategy title that will have you leading armies from the front with hack-and-slash combat alongside more strategic play. It looks like colourful, family-friendly fun.

Minecraft Legends preview: Hands-off with Minecraft RTS at Gamescom

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake

Release date: TBC
PS5 exclusive? No, also on PC
Publisher: Sony

Arguably the best Star Wars game of all time is getting a fresh lick of paint, rebuilt from the ground up for the PS5 and presumably bringing the old game's turn-based combat up to modern standards. The story of Darth Revan is one of the greatest gaming's known, so we can't wait to see some gameplay.

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic - Remake: Everything you need to know

Silent Hill 2

Release date: TBC
PS5 exclusive? No, also on PC
Publisher: Konami

An all-time horror great is coming back with a full remake led by Bloober Team - Silent Hill 2 will traumatise a whole new generation of gamers when it lands. Exploring its titular eerie town will be petrifying, but we're looking forward to a quantum leap forward graphically, too.

Everything we know about the Silent Hill 2 remake: Trailer, story and more

Marvel's Wolverine

Release date: TBC
PS5 exclusive? Yes
Publisher: Sony

Marvel has clearly taken notice of the stellar work that Insomniac has done with Spider-Man, though, as it's been given the keys to another of its biggest names - Wolverine. The X-Man will be slicing his way to the PS5 at some point in the future, although we don't have an idea of when that'll be as yet.

Alone in the Dark

Release date: TBC
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox Series X and PC
Publisher: THQ Nordic

One of the most storied franchises returns with this reboot that will send players to the deep south for some properly creepy action, controlling two protagonists in a twisty and unsettling story that promises plenty of gore and scares.

Everything we know about Alone in the Dark: Trailers, story and more

Wonder Woman

Release date: TBC
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox and PC
Publisher: Warner Bros.

The DC universe is getting into the swing of things as far as gaming adaptations are concerned, and Wonder Woman is now in the lineup, although we don't have either a firm idea of what gameplay will look like or a release date.

It's a fairly safe bet that it'll be some sort of beat-em-up, though, and we're down to see how her famous set of moves could feel to control.

Star Wars Eclipse

Release date: TBC
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox and PC
Publisher: LucasFilm Games

It's super early in development, but if this moody CGI trailer is anything to go by, the next big game from Quantic Dream could take us to some interesting new locations in the Star Wars universe. It's set during the High Republic, a new part of the timeline that is being explored by other creators, too.

Grand Theft Auto 6

Release date: TBC
PS5 exclusive? No, also on Xbox Series X and PC
Publisher: Rockstar

There are almost too many rumours swirling around Rockstar's likely next game in the Grand Theft Auto franchise to adequately summarise, but suffice to say that it almost has to be on the way.

Grand Theft Auto 6: Release date, platforms, and everything you need to know about GTA VI

At the moment speculation is rife that it will see players return to Vice City and the surrounding area, but nothing is confirmed yet. Still, it's almost guaranteed that one of the world's biggest entertainment franchises will make its way to the PS5 before long.

Best graphics card 2022: Get a GPU to power you to gaming bliss

Max Freeman-Mills — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:40:00 +0000

If you're looking to build your own gaming PC, or you already have a machine that could use an upgrade, you're probably aware of how important finding a good GPU (or graphics card) can be to your rig's performance.

How to build a mid-range gaming PC

It's the beast that powers most of the graphical output you'll be hoping for, so if you want those dreamy combinations of resolution and a great frame rate, you'll want to make sure you pick up a good one. We've brought together some of the very best right here, at various price points.

Some of the latest GPUs (particularly Nvidia's 40-series) are hard to get hold of at the moment, so might not feature on this list currently.

Our pick of the best graphics cards to buy today

What is Sky Stream, how much does it cost and how can I get it?

Rik Henderson — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:45:00 +0000

When Sky launched its Sky Glass all-in-one TV, it also revealed the Sky Stream puck - a small set-top-box that enables mutliroom viewing for Sky Glass customers.

The device can be plugged into a TV elsewhere in the home, offering the full Sky Glass interface and streaming properties on the additional set.

It is now also available as a standalone device and service for those who do not want or cannot have the satellite-powered Sky Q service yet still want a full Sky TV experience on an existing television.

Here's everything you need to know about it.

What is Sky Stream?

4K HDR, Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
Sky TV, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video
BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub (to be ITVX soon), All 4

The Sky Stream puck is a relatively small, internet-connected box that you plug into your TV through HDMI and can be used as an extension of Sky Glass - the TV sold by Sky itself - or as a standalone alternative Glass and Sky Q.

It can connect through wired or Wi-Fi broadband to your router and stream up to 4K HDR video (Dolby Vision) and Dolby Atmos audio.

When paired with Sky Glass or used solo, up to six Sky Stream devices can be active in the same household.

The device comes with its own voice remote and the user interface is identical to that of Sky Glass.

That means you can watch live and on demand TV from Sky and many partners, including Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video and Disney+. Content from partnering streaming services is integrated into Sky's own programming on the homescreen and throughout the menus.

Sky Stream release date and availability

The Sky Stream device is available for existing and new Sky Glass customers. It is also available as a standalone device.

You can order it from Sky.com or in a Sky retail store.

Sky Stream price

If you have Sky Glass, Sky charges £50 for each Sky Stream puck you add to your setup.

When taken on its own, the Sky Stream service is priced differently. It is available on an 18-month contract or 31-day rolling plan, both of which include a puck, the voice remote, a Sky Ultimate TV package and Netflix Basic.

The 18-month contract costs £26 per month with a £20 initial setup fee. The 31-day rolling plan starts at £29 per month with a £39.95 setup fee.

You can also add extra channel packs and/or streaming services for additional monthly fees, such as Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, BT Sport, UHD & Dolby Atmos, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

There is an Ad Skipping pack too, which allows you to fast forward through adverts placed in on demand content, including shows on ITVX and All4 (which usually require individual subscriptions for that feature). This costs £5 per month on top of your existing package.

Additional Sky Stream devices can be added to TVs around the home - you will need to subscribe to a Whole Home pack for £12 per month which gets you an additional puck at no extra cost. Subsequent device's will be charged at £39.95 per puck.

Unlike some paid TV devices, you own the pucks once purchased.

Sky Stream measurements and connections

Size: 108 x 18 x 108mm

The Sky Stream device is fairly simple and designed to be easily set up by the user, rather than requiring a full installation. It will be sent to customers on a next-day delivery basis.

Here are its outputs:

1 x HDMI 2.1
Ethernet port
Wi-Fi
230V AC port

There is also a DTT aerial port on the rear, but this has not been activated to date.

Sky Stream user interface

As explained above, Sky Stream has the same user interface as Sky Glass. That means it differs from Sky Q in that it opens to a homescreen rather than live TV. Sky Q, for example, opens to the homescreen but with a live TV box in the top left-hand corner - you don't get that on the Sky Stream puck.

It also differs from Sky Q as it cannot record programmes to an internal drive. Instead, you get a Playlist bar on the homescreen to which you can pin current or future shows and films by hitting the Playlist button on the remote.

Shows are then either recorded to storage in the cloud (that's assigned to your account), or are pulled from different services, including Sky's, to view on demand. You just need to click on the programming to start it (or use your voice).

Voice control and search is also available on the Sky Stream device. You will need the remote for this, as it doesn't feature the built-in microphone you get with Sky Glass.

Sky Stream minimum broadband speed

As Sky Stream requires an internet connection to work you will need to have at least a 10Mb/s broadband connection.

For the best connection - to watch 4K HDR movies or sport, for example - it is suggested that you need a minimum of 30Mb/s broadband.

How to start streaming your gaming: All the gear you need

Adrian Willings — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:15:00 +0000

For many gamers, the dream is to be able to make a living from your passion. Streaming is one way to do it, but in a world where everyone is already streaming, you need a professional-looking setup in order to stand out from the crowd.

There are plenty of guides out there on how to get started streaming to Twitch, YouTube, DLive or Facebook gaming. Those guides tend to cover the software you need and the intricacies of things like overlays, scene selection, chatbots and more. Very few though talk about the gear you need to make your stream look top-notch.

That's what we're here for. If you're starting out or looking to improve your current stream setup then stick with us as we break down all the things you need to make your stream look great and keep your viewers entertained.

What is ITVX? ITV's new streaming service explained

Rik Henderson — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:35:00 +0000

UK broadcaster ITV has launched a replacement to the ITV Hub. Called ITVX, it is a new streaming service with more content, a fresh new look and, potentially, better picture quality.

Here's everything you need to know about it.

What is ITVX?

ITVX is the new streaming service from UK broadcaster ITV.

It launched in November 2022 and is available across multiple devices, including iOS, Android, smart TVs and set-top-boxes, in both free and subscription formats.

It includes catch-up TV shows from ITV channels, much like ITV Hub, but also debuts new, exclusive content that will be available first on ITVX before making its way to linear TV many months later. In addition, it provides full access to British TV box sets, too, from the ITV co-owned Britbox for subscribers, and all episodes of ITV dramas will be available to binge as soon as they premiere on terrestrial TV.

How much does ITVX cost?

ITVX offers two membership tiers - one paid, one free.

ITVX free (advertising funded)

Free ITX membership provides access to "thousands of hours of content", which come with advertising (much like the previous ITV Hub service). This includes new shows that debut on the service first.

ITVX Premium (ad-free subscription)

A paid subscription tier presents all content free of advertising. It also provides access to much more content, including "partner content" and Britbox, plus downloads for offline viewing on a mobile device.

It costs £5.99 per month or £59.99 for a whole year when paid upfront. There is also a 7-day free trial period for new subscribers.

What TV shows are on ITVX?

ITV claims to offer many more hours of content on ITVX than on its former ITV Hub service. ITV Hub was home to around 4,000 hours of content while ITVX reportedly launched with around 15,000 hours.

This includes "a wealth of dramas" that stream "first and for free" on ITVX before arriving on terrestrial TV "six to nine months later" .

One of those is A Spy Among Friends, starring Mare of Easttown's Guy Pierce and Billions' Damian Lewis.

The Helena Bonham Carter-starrer, Nolly, is another. With Confessions of Frannie Langton starring Karla-Simone Spence, The Little Birds featuring Lenny Henry, and Litvinenko starring David Tennant are also available or coming soon.

Original comedy and documetary shows will debut on the platform too, as well as live streams of major events, including the current FIFA World Cup.

US TV shows and blockbuster films can be found on the service too.

Fast channels

Also new are themed channels - known as fast channels. These are pop-up channels exclusive to ITVX and be based on viewer prefrences and popularity.

Several fast channels were launched on day one, including Hell's Kitchen US, Love Island International, and True Crime.

Does ITVX replace ITV Hub?

ITVX will eventually replace ITV Hub when all apps have been successfully transferred over.

Some already have been replaced, but others may take a little longer. One tip we've found is that you may need to delete an app first before downloading it again to get the ITVX version.

Can you use old ITV Hub login details?

You can continue to use the same login details for ITVX - name and password - that you set up for ITV Hub.

Does ITVX replace Britbox?

While it hasn't yet, it looks like ITV will eventually fold Britbox into ITVX. It bought out the BBC's share in the British streaming service earlier in 2022.

What is BritBox? BBC and ITV's Netflix rival explained

How to get ITVX - device list and more

As the ITV Hub app will eventually be replaced by ITVX completely, any device that runs ITV Hub will also get ITVX.

However, only some devices have already been switched over with others yet to get the new app. Here are the devices that have received the ITVX app so far:

Android
Android TV
Apple TV
Google Chromecast
Huawei devices
iOS
Now Smart Stick and Box
Nvidia Shield TV
Roku streaming players
Samsung Smart TVs (2016 and later)
Sky Glass and Sky Stream
Web browsers
Xbox One
Xbox Series X/S

We're still waiting for the ITV Hub app to update on Sky Q, Amazon Fire TV devices, Freesat boxes, YouView boxes, the Virgin V6 box, and Smart TVs from other manufacturers.

You can find out more on ITVX on its dedicated website here.

Best external hard drives and SSDs for 2022: Top portable external drives for your Mac or PC

Cam Bunton — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:27:00 +0000

Though laptops and other electronics often have the option of high-capacity flash memory, an external drive is still the most affordable and portable form of additional storage for most people.

With plenty of different uses for an SSD, however, picking the right option for your needs is easier said than done. Thankfully for you, that's where this guide comes in.

We've put some of the top drives through their paces in a variety of scenarios, including gaming, intensive video editing and productivity tasks, all in order to help you find out.

For those new to the world of external hard drives, we've also included some advice on what to consider before buying one.

Best external drives in 2022

Our Top Pick: Best SSD

PlayStation Plus games list, price and PS Plus Essential, Extra and Premium tiers explained

Rik Henderson — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 11:30:00 +0000

PlayStation Plus is Sony's monthly subscription service that is required for online play on PlayStation 4 and PS5 consoles.

It is split into three tiers, with an Essential plan offering a handul of free games each month, as well as great discounts on games bought through the PlayStation Store.

Two additional tiers - Extra and Premium - are also available. They include additional access to 100s of PS4 and PS5 games (similar to Xbox Game Pass), plus classic games from throughout PlayStation's history.

Here's everything you need to know about PS Plus, including how much each tier costs and all the benefits.

squirrel _widget_12855000

What is PS Plus?

PlayStation Plus is a monthly subscription service that enables online, multiplayer play for PS4 and PS5 games.

It is required to play the vast majority of games online - only some free-to-play titles are exempt.

It started many years ago, with the service launching for PlayStation 3 initially. It was also available for PS Vita users, but both consoles have long since been discontinued and PS Plus is no longer active on either.

As well as online play, it includes cloud storage for save games, discounts, access to early trials of games, and a few other benefits.

There are three separate tiers - Essential, Extra and Premium - with each including increasingly impressive add-ons. You can read more about them below.

What is PS Plus Extra / Premium and are they available now?

Available in Japan and many other Asian countries, plus the Americas, the UK and Europe, PS Plus has recently split into three different tiers: PlayStation Plus Essential, PlayStation Plus Extra, and PlayStation Plus Premium.

PS Plus Essential offers the same benefits to the previous standard PS Plus service, while Extra and Premium each add 100s of free games delivered either over the cloud (replacing PS Now) or downloadable.

How much does PlayStation Plus cost?

PlayStation Plus starts at £6.99 / $9.99 / €8.99 per month, but as you get more benefits with each higher tier, so too does the price increase. Here are the prices for the three different options.

PS Plus Essential

The standard tier of PS Plus can be paid for monthly, quarterly or annually.

Monthly membership costs £6.99 / $9.99 / €8.99. It is £19.99 / $24.99 / €24.99 for 3-months, or you can pay for 12-months upfront for £49.99 / $59.99 / €59.99.

You can sign up for PS Plus Essential either through your console or the PlayStation Store online. Physical vouchers have been discontinued.

PS Plus Extra

PS Plus Extra is now available in multiple locations (see region details above). It includes all the benefits of the standard plan plus access to a catalogue of up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games to play at no extra cost.

It is priced at £10.99 / $14.99 / €13.99 per month, £31.99 / $39.99 / €39.99 for 3-months, or £83.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 if paid for yearly.

PS Plus Premium

The highest tier, PS Plus Premium, incorporates all of the benefits of Essential and Extra, then adds up to 340 additional games on top, from the back catalogue of PS3, PS2, PSP and even original PlayStation games - often via cloud streaming. There are also time-limited trials in this tier.

It costs £13.49 / $17.99 / €16.99 per month, £39.99 / $49.99 / €49.99 for 3-months, or £99.99 / $119.99 / €119.99 if paid for yearly.

PS Plus Deluxe

An additional tier is available in markets that do not offer cloud gaming as an alternative to Premium. PS Plus Deluxe is cheaper than Premium - you should check your regional PlayStation Store for pricing, where applicable.

What does PS Plus membership include?

There are a number of benefits included with PS Plus membership. You can read about each blow.

Online play

A PlayStation Plus tier is a requirement for PS4 and PS5 gamers to play each other online. Only some free-to-play games are exempt - the vast majority will only give you access to online multiplayer if you have an active PS Plus subscription.

Free games

Each month, two or three PS4/PS5 games are made available to download and play at no extra cost. They are yours to keep as long as you remain a PS Plus member. You can see the latest free games here.

Exclusive discounts

PS Plus members get exclusive discounts on many digital download games on the PlayStation Store. Traditionally, there are also added discounts for members on sale games during major sales periods.

Cloud storage

All PS Plus members, no matter the tier, get 100GB of cloud storage for save games, so even if you lose your save data stored on a PS4 or PS5, you will be able to recover it later.

Also, if you own a second console and want to carry on playing the same game, you can transfer save games from machine to machine.

PlayStation Plus Collection

Unique to the PlayStation 5, the PS Plus Collection comprises 19 first and third-party PS4 games to download and play through backward compatibility. Some, including Days Gone, even feature enhancements, such as 60fps and native 4K resolution.

They are available at no extra cost to PS5 owners with PS Plus.

PlayStation Plus Collection game list

Here are the games available in the PlayStation Plus Collection (as of 1 December 2022):

Batman: Arkham Knight
Battlefield 1
Bloodborne
Call of Duty: Black Ops III - Zombies Chronicles Edition
Crash Banidcoot N. Sane Trilogy
Days Gone
Detroit: Become Human
Fallout 4
Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition
God of War
Infamous Second Son
Monster Hunter World
Mortal Kombat X
Ratchet & Clank
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
The Last Guardian
The Last of Us Remastered
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Until Dawn

Up to 400 downloadable games (PS Plus Extra and Premium only)

Subscribers to the new PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers gain access to a library of up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games from Sony and third-parties. These are available to download and play as long as you subscribe to the relevant tiers. You can see the current list of titles available below.

Classic games (PS Plus Premium only)

Premium tier members gain access to an additional library of classic PS3, PS2, PlayStation and PSP games that are available to download or stream. You can also see the current list of titles available below.

Cloud gaming (PS Plus Premium only)

Games offered in the Extra benefit are also available via cloud streaming to Premium members. That means you won't have to download them to play. It uses Sony's PS Now technology, with that service now merged into PS Plus.

Time-limited game trials (PS Plus Premium only)

Premium subscribers gain access to time-limited trials of games so you can try them before you buy.

PS Plus Extra and Premium games list (as of 1 December 2022)

With PS Plus Extra and Premium having launched in Asia and the Americas at the start of June, we have a list of all the games currently available to Extra and Premium subscribers.

The following games are the titles currently available PS Plus Extra / Premium members in the UK (other regions may differ slightly).

All the main catalogue PlayStation 4 and PS5 games available as part of PS Plus Extra and Premium (all games are PS4 versions unless indicated - some require PSVR):

2Dark
8-Bit Armies
9 Monkeys of Shaolin
Absolver Downfall
Abzu
Age of Seafood
Adrift
Agatha Christie - The ABC Murders
Agents of Mayhem
Age of Wonders: Planetfall
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX (PS4 / PS5)
Alienation
AO Tennis 2
Aragami
Ashen
Ash of Gods: Redemption
Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection
Assassin's Creed III Remastered
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag
Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China
Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India
Assassin's Creed Chronicles: Russia
Assassin's Creed Freedom Cry
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assassin's Creed Rogue Remastered
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (PS4 / PS5)
Assetto Corsa Competizione (PS4 / PS5)
Astebreed
A Velocibox Ultimate Bundle
AVICII Invector
Bad North
Balan Wonderworld (PS4 / PS5)
Batman: Arkham Knight
Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Bee Simulator
Black Mirror
Blasphemous

Bloodborne
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bomber Crew
Bound
Bound by Flame
Brawlout
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Bubsy: The Woolies Strike Back
Caladrius Blaze
Call of Cthulhu
Carmageddon: Max Damage
Car Mechanic Simulator
Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers
Celeste
Chess Ultra
Chicken Police - Paint it Red!
Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Child of Light
Children of Morta
Chorus (PS4 / PS5)
Chronos: Before the Ashes
Cities: Skylines
Clouds & Sheep 2
Concrete Genie
ConnecTank
Control: Ultimate Edition (PS4 / PS5)
Cris Tales
Croxieur Sigma
Damascus Gear: Operation Tokyo HD Edition
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
Dangerous Golf
Danger Zone
Darksiders Genesis
Darksiders III
Days Gone
DCL- The Game
Dead Cells
Dead of Alive 5 Last Round
Death and re:Quest
Death and re:Quest 2
Death Squared
Death Stranding

Death Stranding: Director's Cut (PS5)
Deathloop (PS5)
Defense Grid 2
Demon's Souls (PS5)
Descenders
Desperados III
Destruction Allstars (PS5)
Detroit: Become Human
Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories
Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengence
Doom (2016)
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
Dragon Quest Builders
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below
Dragon Quest Heroes II: Explorer's Edition
Dragon Star Varnir
Dungeons 2
Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires
Eagle Flight (PSVR)
Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair
Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain
Earth Defense Force: World Brothers
Electronic Super Joy
Elex
El Hijo - A Wild West Tale
Embr
Empire of Sin
Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek
Enter the Gungeon
Entwined
Everybody’s Golf
Fade to Silence
Fallout 4
Fallout 76
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
Fary Cry 3 Classic Edition
Far Cry 4
FIA European Truck Racing Championship
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (PS5)
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age
Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
Fluster Cluck
Foreclosed (PS4 / PS5)
For Honor
For the King
Friday the 13th: The Game
Frost Punk
Fury Unleashed
Gabbuchi
Gal*Gunvolt Burst
Get Even
Ghost of a Tale
Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut (PS4 / PS5)
Ghostrunner (PS4 / PS5)
Gianna Sisters: Twisted Dreams

God of War
Gods Will Fall
Golf with Your Friends
Goosebumps The Game
Grand Ages: Medieval
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - The Definitive Edition (PS4 / PS5) - leaving 21 February 2023
Graveyard Keeper
Gravity Rush 2
Grip
Gunvolt Chronicles Luminous Avenger IX
Hello Neighbor
Hohokum
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
Homefront: The Revolution
Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
Hotshot Racing
How to Survive 2
How to Survive: Storm Warning Edition
Hue
Human Fall Flat (PS4 / PS5)
I am Bread
I am Dead (PS4 / PS5)
Indivisible
InFamous First Light
InFamous Second Son
Infinite Minigolf
Injustice 2
Inside
Joe Dever's Lone Wolf
John WIck Hex
Jotun: Valhalla Edition
Journey to the Savage Planet
KeyWe
Killzone Shadow Fall
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
Kingdom Hearts III
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory
Kingdom New Lands
Kingdom Two Crowns
Knack
Kona (PS4 / PS5)
Last Day of June
Last Stop (PS4 / PS5)
Lawn Mowing Simulator (PS4 / PS5)
Legends of Eternal
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
Leo's Fortune
LittleBigPlanet 3
Little Big Workshop
Little Nightmares
Lost Words: Beyond the Page
Magicka 2
Mahjong
Malicious Fallen
Maneater (PS4 / PS5)
Marvel Puzzle Quest: Dark Reign
Marvel's Avengers (PS4 / PS5)
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (PS4 / PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS4 / PS5)
Masters of Anima
Matterfall
MediEvil
Megadimension Neptunia VII
Mighty No. 9
MINIT
Mitsurugi Kamui Hikae
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight
Monster Energy Supercross - The Official Videogame 5 (PS4 / PS5)
Monster Jam Steel Titans 2
Monster Truck Championship (PS4 / PS5)
Moonlighter
Mortal Kombat 11
Moving Out
MudRunner
MX vs ATV All Out
My Friend Pedro
My Time at Portia
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker
Nascar Heat 5
NBA 2K22 (PS5)
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2
Necromunda: Underhive Wars
Nidhogg
Nights of Azure
Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon
Nioh
Observation
Observer: System Redux (PS4 / PS5)
Oddworld: New and Tasty
Oddworld: Soulstorm - Enhanced Edition (PS4 / PS5)
Omega Quintet
Onee Chanbara Origin
Outer Wilds
Overcooked 2
Overpass
Party Hard
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Definitive Edition
Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
PGA Tour 2K21
Pile Up! Box by Box
Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition
Pixel Piracy
Portal Knights
Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid
Prey
Prison Architect
Project Cars 2
Project Cars 3
Pure Hold’Em Poker Championship
Pure Pool
Rabbids Invasion: The Interactive TV Show
Rad Rodgers
Raiden V: Director's Cut
Rapala Fishing: Pro Series
Rayman Legends
Rebel Galaxy
Redeemer: Enhanced Edition
Reel Fishing: Road Trip Adventure
Relicta
Resogun
Returnal (PS5)
Rez Infinite
Risk Urban Assault
Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break
Rogue Stormers
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 13
R-Type Final 2
Saints Row: The Third Remastered (PS4 / PS5)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game - Complete Edition
Seasons After Fall
Secret Neighbor
Shadow of the Beast
Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow Warrior 2
Shadow Warrior 3
Shenmue 3
Shiness: The Lightning Kindom
Sine Mora EX
Sky Drift Infinity
Slime Rancher
Sniper Elite 4
Soma
Soul Caliber VI
South Park: The Fractured but Whole
South Park: The Stick of Truth
Space Hulk: Deathwing - Enhanced Edition
Space Hulk: Tactics
Space Junkies (PSVR)
Sparkle Unleashed
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
Splitlings
Star Ocean First Departure R
Star Trek: Bridge Crew (PSVR)
Steep
Stellaris: Console Edition
Stranded Deep
Stray (PS4 / PS5)
Sundered: Eldritch Edition
Surgeon Simulator
Surviving Mars
Tearaway Unfolded
Telling Lies
Tennis World Tour 2 (PS4 / PS5)
Terraria
Tetris Effect: Connected
The Artful Escape (PS4 / PS5)
The Book of Unwritten Tales 2
The Caligula Effect: Overdose
The Crew
The Crew 2
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Special Edition (PS4 / PS5)
The Fisherman - Fishing Planet
The Gardens Between (PS4 / PS5)

The Last Guardian
The Lego Movie Videogame
The Long Dark
The Medium (PS5)
The Messenger
The Missing J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories
The Surge
The Surge 2
The Technomancer
The Turing Test
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Witch and the Hundred Knight: revival Edition
The Wonderful 101: Remastered
This is the Police
This is the Police 2
This War of Mine: The Little Ones
Thomas Was Alone
Through the Darkest of Times
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege (PS4 / PS5)
Tom Clancy’s The Division
Tom Clancy's The Division 2
Torquel
Totally Reliable Delivery Service
Toukiden 2
Tour de France 2021 (PS4 / PS5)
TowerFall Ascension
Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
Trackmania Turbo
Transference (PSVR)
Trials Fusion
Trials of the Blood Dragon
Trials Rising
Tricky Towers
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
Tron Run/r
Tropico 5
TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
Until Dawn
Unturned
Valiant Hearts: The Great War
Vampyr
Victor Vran Overkill Edition
Vikings: Wolves of Midgard
Virginia: The Game
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr
Warhammer: Chaosbane
Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Warriors All-Stars
Watch Dogs
Watch Dogs 2
Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood (PS4 / PS5)
What Remains of Edith Finch
Whipsering Willows
Wild Guns Reloaded
Windbound
Wolfenstein: The New Order
World of Final Fantasy
WRC 10 FIA World Rally Championship (PS4 / PS5)
Wreckfest (PS4 / PS5)
Wychwood (PS4 / PS5)
XCOM 2
Yakuza 0
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life - coming later in 2022
Yakuza Kiwami
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Yet Another Zombie Defense
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
Zombie Army 4: Dead War

All the classic games (PS1, PSP, PS2, PS3, PS4) available as part of PS Plus Premium only (many cloud streaming):

Air Conflicts - Pacific Carriers
Alien Rage
Alien Spidy
Anna - Extended Edition
Anomaly Warzone Earth
Ape Escape
Ape Escape 2
Arc The Lad: Twilight of the Spirits
Armageddon Riders
Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star
Atari Flashback Classics Vol. 1
Atari Flashback Classics Vol. 2
Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk
Atelier Escha & Logy - Alchemists of the Dusk Sky
Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland
Atelier Shallie – Alchemists of the Dusk Sea
Baja: Edge of Contnol HD

Batman: Arkham Origins
Batman: Return to Arkham - Arkham Asylum
Batman: Return to Arkham - Arkham City
Battle Princess of Arcadia
Bentley's Hackpack
Beyond: Two Souls
Big Sky Infinity
Bioshock Remastered
Bioshock 2 Remastered
Bioshock Infinite: The Complete Edition
Bit.Trip Presents... Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
Black Knight Sword
Bladestrom: Nightmare
Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War
Blood Knights
Bolt
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
Bugsnax
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition
Cars Mater National
Cars Race O Rama
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair
Castlevania: Lord of Shadow - Mirror of Fate HD
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
Cel Damage HD
Champion Jockey: G1 Jockey & Gallop Racer
Chime Super Deluxe
Crysis Remastered
Dark Chronicle
Dark Cloud
Darksiders Warmastered Edition
Darksiders II Deathfinitive Edition
Darkstalkers Resurrection
Deadlight: Director's Cut
Dead by Daylight
Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition
Deception IV: Blood Ties
Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess
Devil May Cry HD Colleciton
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
Disney Pixar Brave
Disney Pixar Cars 2
Disney Pixar Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!
Disney Pixar Toy Story Mania!
Disney Universe Ultimate Edition
Duke Nukem Forever
Dynasty Warriors 6
Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires
Dynasty Warriors 7
Dynasty Warriors 7: Xtreme Legends
Dynasty Warriors 8
Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends
Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce
Echocrhome (PS4 / PS5)
Ethan: Meteor Hunter
Everybody's Golf (PS3 / PS4 / PS4)
Everybody's Tennis
Everyday Shooter
Faery: Legends of Avalon
Fantavision
F.E.A.R.: First Encounter Assault Recon
Forbidden Siren
Frogger Returns
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
G-Force
God of War Ascension
God of War 2

God of War III: Remastered
Gravity Rush Remastered
Greg Hasting’s Paintball 2
Guilty Gear Xrd: Revelator
Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi
Hamilton’s Great Adventure
Heavy Rain
Hotline Miami
Hustle Kings
Ice Age: Scrat's Nutty Adventure
Injustice Gods Among Us: Ultimate Edition
Invizimals: The Lost Kingdom
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Jak 2: Renagade
Jak X Combat Racing
Jetpack Joyride Deluxe
Jumanji: The Video Game
Jumping Flash
Kinetica
Kingdom of Paradise
Kingdoms of Armalur: Re-Reckoning
Knytt Underground
Kung Fu Rabbit
Kurushi
Legasista
Lego Batman: The Videogame
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Lego Harry Potter Collection

Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
Lego Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues
Lego Pirates of the Caribbean
Limbo
Lock's Quest
LocoRoco 2
LocoRoco Midnight Carnival
LocoRoco Remastered
Lost Planet 3
Lumines Remastered
Magus
Metro 2033 Redux
Metro Exodus
Metro: Last Light Redux
Monopoly Madness
Monopoly Plus
Motorstorm Apocalypse
Motorstorm RC Complete
Mount & Blade: Warband
Mr Driller
MX vs ATV: Alive
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
No Heroes Allowed!
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence
Numblast
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee (PS4 / PS5)
Okage: Shadow King
Order Up!!
Outcast - Second Contact
Papa & Yo
Patapon Remastered
Patapon 2 Remastered
Paw Patrol on a Roll
Phineas and Ferb Across the 2nd Dimension
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap
Pool Nation
Port Royale 3
Primal
Proteus
Puppeteer
Quantum Theory
Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic
Ragnarok Odyssey Ace
Raiden IV Overkill
Rain
Rainbow Moon
Ratatouille
Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank 2: Going Commando
Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in time
Ratchet & Clank: Deadlocked
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Ratchet & Clank: Nexus
Ratchet & Clank: QForce
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
ReadySet Heroes

Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
Red Faction
Red Faction Guerilla Re-Mars tered
Red Faction 2
Red Johnson’s Chronicle : One Against All
Resident Evil
Resident Evil Director's Cut (PS4 / PS5)
Resident Evil Code: Veronica X
Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City
Resident Evil Revelations
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
Retro City Rampage DX
Retro/Grade
Rise of the Kasai
Rogue Galaxy
R Type Dimensions
Sacred Citadel
Saints Row 2
Saints Row IV: Re-elected
Saints Row Gat out of Hell
Samurai Warriors 4
Serious Sam Collection
Shatter
Skull Girls Encore
Skydive: Proximity Flight
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
Snakeball
Sniper Elite V2
Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition (PS5)
Split/Second: Velocity
Star Wars Bounty Hunter
Star Wars Jedi Starfighter
Star Wars Racer Revenge
Strider
Super Star Wars
Syberia
Syphon Filter
Syphon Filter 2
Tekken 2
The Awakened Fate Ultimatum
The Guided Fate Paradox
The King of Fighters XIII
The Last of Us: Left Behind

The Last of Us Remastered
The Mark of Kri
The Raven Remastered
The Sly Collection
Tokyo Jungle
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands
Toukiden: Kiwami
Toy Home
Toy Story 3
Trash Panic
Trials of Mana
Trinity: Souls of Zill O’ll
Tron: Evolution
Truck Racer
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
Uno
Urban Trial Freestyle
Velocity Ultra
Vessel
War of the Monsters
Warriors Legends of Troy
Warriors Orochi 3
When Vikings Attack
White KNight Chronicles
Wild Arms
Wild Arms 3
WipEout Omega Collection
Worms Armageddon
Worms World Party
XCOM: Enemy Within
Yaira: Ninja Gaiden Z
Yakuza 3 Remastered
Yakuza 4 Remastered
Yakuza 5 Remastered
Zack Zero
Zen Pinball 2: Avengers Chronicles Pack
Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov's Revenge

Best PC gaming controllers 2022: Top premium controllers for your computer

Adrian Willings — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 11:25:00 +0000

If you just can't get enough gaming goodness, but standard console controllers aren't cutting it for your PC, then you might be considering an upgrade.

Upcoming PC games: The best new games to look forward to

There are a number of decent PC controllers out there that cater to different devices and help up your game. Robust designs, multi-functional capabilities and customisation options abound.

We've been playing with some of the best, in order to compile a list of the most interesting and capable gaming controllers that money can buy.

Upgrade your gear and upgrade your game, right now.

Best speakers for PC gamers 2022: All the sound and RGB lighting you could ever need

Adrian Willings — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 10:47:00 +0000

If you're not a fan of gaming headsets and want to fill your room with the sounds of gunfire and engine roars, you've come to the right place.

We've been testing out PC speakers of all shapes and sizes in order to compile this useful guide to the best ones you can buy to enhance your gaming experience.

Some of these speakers are multi-source capable and they all deliver excellent sound, with fantastic quality that will make an awesome addition to any desk.

How to build and upgrade your own extreme gaming PC

What are the best PC speakers?

PC gaming speakers: Best overall

How to reset your Nintendo Switch

Max Freeman-Mills — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 10:15:00 +0000

If your Nintendo Switch is playing up and having glitches, or if you're about to sell it or give it to someone, you might want to reset it.

There are a few different ways to reset your Switch with slightly different results, and we'll run you through each in turn, down below.

Since all of Nintendo's Switch models run the same software, these steps should work on original Switches, Switch Lites and Switch OLED models in the same way.

How to hard reset your Switch

If you want to keep all your data but perform a total reboot of your Switch (for example, if it's not turning on), the steps are quite simple.

When the system is powered off, hold the power button for 15 seconds
Release the power button then press it to power on
If your console boots, the reset has been completed

How to factory reset your Switch

If you're instead looking to wipe your Switch completely clean, ready for a new user to set themselves up on it without access to any of your data, you'll want to factory reset the console. Do that by following these steps:

From the console's home menu, select Settings
Scroll down to System on the left menu bar
Scroll to the bottom of these options and select Formatting Options
Select Initialize Console then hit OK
Wait for the process to erase your data

Once this is over, your console will be like new and all data will be gone. Back up anything you want to keep, first!

If you can't do the steps above you can go a more in-depth route, with the steps below.

With the console powered off, hold down the volume up and volume down keys, then hold the power button
Hold these buttons down until Maintenance Mode starts
From here, select Initialize Console to erase your data (an option is there to keep your saves instead)

Either of those routes should let you factory reset your console, as desired.

Tim Cook tells Elon Musk that Apple wasn't considering removing Twitter

Max Freeman-Mills — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 10:03:00 +0000

Elon Musk's tumultuous time in charge of Twitter so far took another minor twist when the new CEO revealed that he visited Apple's California HQ to meet with Tim Cook.

He said they took a tour of Apple's headquarters, and that Cook clarified for the record that Apple had not, in fact, ever considered removing Twitter from the App Store.

This was effectively a rebuttal of Musk's own narrative pushed earlier in the week, in which he claimed that Apple was holding the potential for App Store removal as a threat.

Good conversation. Among other things, we resolved the misunderstanding about Twitter potentially being removed from the App Store. Tim was clear that Apple never considered doing so.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 30, 2022

It's been widely reported that Musk isn't thrilled about Apple's long-standing cut from transactions made by apps from the App Store, which stands at 30 per cent.

Whether that has been fully resolved or not is still ambiguous, but it would seem that there's a bit more dialogue between the figureheads atop these major companies now.

Part of Musk general air of grievance at the moment revolves around the flood of advertisers that have left or suspended their use of Twitter since his takeover, after the return of controversial and extreme personalities to the platform.

Whether this meeting will play any role in moving that situation forward will remain to be seen.

Upcoming PC games: The best new games to look forward to in 2022 and beyond

Adrian Willings — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 10:03:00 +0000

There are plenty of incredible games coming to PC this year and beyond. From upcoming triple-A games to highly hyped gems, there's plenty to look forward to, whatever your gaming passion.

Whatever your platform of choice - Steam, Epic, Ubisoft Connect or Origin, there are loads of new PC games to add to your wishlist as well. These new games include bleeding-edge titles with ray tracing capabilities, as well as updates to your favourite RPGs, shooters and co-op masterpieces.

The following is a hand-picked selection of games we've seen and are excited about. We're sure you will be too.

Best PC games to buy: Fantastic games to add to your collection

The Callisto Protocol

Release date: 2 December 2023
Type: Survival Horror
Publisher: KRAFTON, Inc.
See it on Steam

The creators of Dead Space are back with another space-based survival horror. From the looks of it this should certainly be another tense game full of jump scares. Your goal is just to survive and discover the secrets of Jupiter's moon.

Everything we know about The Callisto Protocol: Release date, gameplay and platforms

Forspoken

Release date: 24 January 2023
Type: RPG
Publisher: Square Enix
See it on Steam

Forspoken throws Frey Holland into a magical land full of danger, spell casting and really wild adventures. Forspoken promises an unforgettable journey and a really good-looking one at that.

Dead Space Remake

Release date: 27 January 2023
Type: Survival Horror
Publisher: EA Games
See official site/See it on Steam

Dead Space is getting a remake from the ground up with EA's Frostbite engine and is set to release in early 2023. The plan is apparently to keep the vision of the original but with expanded audio and more.

Hogwarts Legacy

Release date: 10 February 2023
Type: Action RPG
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
See the official site/See it on Steam

Hogwarts Legacy is an upcoming action role-playing video game. It is set in the late 1800s in and establishes itself in the Wizarding World set by the Harry Potter books. As you'd expect you'll be casting spells, discovering fantastic beasts and generally wizarding about the place.

Atomic Heart

Release date: 21 February 2023
Type: FPS action-adventure
Publisher: Mundfish
See it on Steam

A quirky, gory and fairly awesome-looking FPS set in an alternative universe in the heart of the Soviet Union. Players will take on the role of a special agent who has been sent a highly secret object and is desperately trying to investigate what's going on. Weird creatures, robots and a multitude of customisable weapons certainly make this one appear intriguing if nothing else.

Company of Heroes 3

Release date: 23 February 2023
Type: Turned-based RTS
Publisher: SEGA
See it on Steam

Company of Heroes is coming back. This time with a Mediterranean campaign where you'll be commanding ground, air and naval forces too. This new addition to the series promises authentic new gameplay features as well as everything you know and love from Company of Heroes including skirmishes, a campaign and multiplayer. New soldier animations, enhanced AI, realistic squad reactions and a destructible environment should make Company of Heroes 3 a joy for any fan of the series.

A recent cinematic trailer shows the African campaign and there's an in-depth look into gameplay too.

Kerbal Space Program 2

Release date: 24 February 2023
Type: Space simulation/sandbox
Publisher: Private Division
See the official site/See it on Steam

Kerbal Space Program is back, with a sequel to the highly thought of space-flight simulation game coming some time in 2020. If you enjoyed the sandbox fun of the first game, then you're bound to found the new game a blast. There's the promise of exciting new parts, colony building, interstellar travel and enhanced modding along with breath-taking visuals and a multiplayer system too.

The Day Before

Release date: 1 March 2023
Type: Third-person shooter
Publisher: MYTONA
See it on Steam

The Day Before is pitched as a third-person, open-world, zombie survival shooter. In a post-pandemic America, where you'll be facing off against both flesh-eating infected and other humans who are desperate to survive. Sound familiar?

Dead Island 2

Release date: 3 March 2023
Type: Survival horror action RPG
Publisher: Deep Silver
See official site

Dead Island 2 has been thought dead for a while, but Deep Silver has suggested it is still in the works. We certainly would be thrilled to see a brilliant second outing for Dead Island. The original was an awesome zombie-slaying adventure that we loved when we first played it on PC.

Weapon crafting, a bright and unusual island location and zombies in bathing costumes, this game had it all. The new trailer doesn't show much, but it certainly looks like there's going to be some of the same hilarity and good times. We've heard more rumblings about Dead Island 2 recently, with suggestions that it's going to be an Epic Store exclusive.

Skull & Bones

Release date: 9 March 2023
Type: Multiplayer pirate adventure
Publisher: Ubisoft
See the official site

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag proved incredibly popular and spiked interest in pirating based-shenanigans on the high seas. Since then, we've seen Sea of Thieves and the hilarity of Blackwake but Ubisoft's Skull & Bones is making waves in the build-up to launch.

The latest trailer shows the customisation options for the ships and all sorts of unbridled chaos too.

Become the pirate captain you've always wanted to be and battle on the high seas on your own or with up to five other players. Grease the gangplank and ready the mainsail, this is surely going to be a glorious grog-swilling romp.

Ubisoft has announced that it's pushing back the release date of Skull and Bones to give it some more polish.

System Shock

Release date: March 2023
Type: Sci-fi action adventure
Publisher: Nightdive Studios
See it on Steam

Nightdive Studios is set to remake and reboot the classic sci-fi adventure System Shock sometime in the near future. The developers are promising a new game that's true to the original while being given a refresh with modern visuals and gameplay.

Fans of the series will be pleased to hear the original voice actor is returning too. The original game released in 1994, so this reboot is a long time coming and should certainly be an interesting one. System Shock 3 is also being developed, so we've got that to look forward to as well.

Star Trek: Resurgence

Release date: TBC
Type: Third-person adventure
Publisher: Epic Games
See official site/See it on Epic

Former Telltale Games developers are crafting a narrative adventure game in the Star Trek universe. Set in the era of Star Trek: The Next Generation it's bound to appeal to Star Trek fans.

Starfield

Release date: 2023
Type: Space-based RPG
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
See the official site/See it on Steam

Starfield was teased by Bethesda in June 2018 as the first new franchise in 25 years. But that's not the exciting part, Starfield is set to be a space-based RPG with plenty of glorious fun in the depths of space. Beyond that, we don't know much other than we're excited. It is now available to wishlist on Steam though. Bethesda has announced it's moving the release to the first half of 2023.

Starfield is set to feature the biggest world Bethesda has created with over 1,000 worlds for gamers to explore. So plenty to do and see. The latest gameplay trailer shows off a lot of what to expect and what to get excited for.

Everything you need to know about Starfield: Trailer, release date and more

Forza Motorsport

Release date: 2023
Type: Racing sim
Publisher: Turn 10 Studios
See official site

Five years after the release of Forza Motorsport 7 the next game in the franchise is appearing. This is essentially Forza Motorsport 8 but by another name. Fans of the series will be pleased to hear that several tracks are making a comeback including Maple Valley, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and Laguna Seca Raceway. The new Motorsport release is also promising dynamic lighting and weather conditions as well, so that should keep things interesting.

Ark 2

Release date: 2023
Type: Open world survival
Publisher: Studio Wildcard
See it on Steam

ARK 2 is pitched as a "definitive next-gen survival experience". It's a follow-on from Ark: Survival Evolved and stars Vin Diesel fighting for survival in a primal world filled with dinosaurs and danger.

Dark and Darker

Release date: Q4 2023
Type: PVP Dungeon Crawler
Publisher: Ironmace
See it on Steam

Dark and Darker is pitched as an "unforgiving" hardcore fantasy game which brings the Escape From Tarkov loot logic to the dungeons where you're fighting so survive and to keep your gear too.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl

Release date: December 2023
Type: Post-apocalyptic open-world shooter
Publisher: GSC Game World
See official site/See it on Steam

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is making a return with a promise of being "one of the biggest seamless open-worlds to date." - a blend of horror, FPS and atmospheric sim, it's also said to have an epic story with multiple endings. Awesome stuff.

The latest gameplay shows a staggeringly beautiful view of a horrific world. You'll have over thirty weapons at your disposal, to deal with all manner of horrifying mutated monsters and there's a multiplayer too.

Blight: Survival

Release date: "soon"
Type: Medieval souls-like horror
Publisher: Haenir Studio
See it on Steam

"Blight: Survival is a 4-player co-op action-horror roguelite set in the unforgiving no man’s land between two desperate states at a ceaseless war. "

Medieval times were already pretty rough, but what if people in those times also had to deal with zombies? That seems the premise of Blight: Survival and we love it.

State of Decay 3

Release date: TBA
Type: Zombie shooter
Publisher: Xbox Games Studios
See official site

State of Decay 3 has been revealed, though we're only really seeing a tease of it at the moment. Still we're pleased to see another outing in the series is on the horizon.

Everything we know about State of Decay 3: Trailer, gameplay details and more

The Outlast Trials

Release date: TBA
Type: Survival Horror
Publisher: Red Barrels
See it on Steam

If you played and enjoyed the horrific thrills of Outlast and Outlast 2, then buckle up for more. The Outlast Trials is a survival horror that you can play alone or with up to four other people. Set during the Cold War in a place of distrust, fear, and violence you're thrust into a world where people are being subjected to brainwashing and mind control. All sorts of terror ensue.

Dead Matter

Release date: TBA
Type: Zombie shooter
Publisher: QI Games
See it on Steam

Dead Matter is in the very early stages but appears to be an interesting concept that takes the Escape From Tarkov gameplay style and throws it into a zombie-infested world. This should certainly make for some interesting and intense gaming and a fresh twist on the zombie genre.

Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2

Release date: TBA
Type: Third-Person Action
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
See the official site

Another Warhammer game in the pipeline. This time you'll be taking on the role of a Space Marine, holding off the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles.

Gord

Release date: Coming soon
Type: RTS
Publisher: Team17
See it on Steam

Gord is a single-player, adventure-strategy game that's inspired by Slavic folklore rich with eerie forbidden lands and mythical creatures. Your mission will be to grow a settlement and keep it safe in this harsh world.

Perfect Dark

Release date: TBA
Type: Shooter
Publisher: The Initiative/Xbox
See the official site

The original Perfect Dark has a special place in the hearts of gamers who can still remember Goldeneye 007 fondly. It was a great game for that era and we're excited to see it returning.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series

Release date: TBA
Type: Adventure game
Publisher: Telltale games
See the official site

Telltale Games is working with Deck Nine, creators of Life is Strange: True Colors on a game set in The Expanse universe. Set before the TV series, you'll be playing Camina Drummer (voiced by actress Cara Gee from the show) and dealing with mutiny, treasure hunts and more.

The Outer Worlds 2

Release date: TBA
Type: Open world RPG
Publisher: Private Division
See official site

The sequel to the superb space-based RPG The Outer Worlds has been teased. We have no details on when it'll be available but we're excited!

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2

Release date: TBA
Type: Action-adventure
Publisher: Ninja Theory
See the official site

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is the follow up to 2017's fantastic Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. A psychological action-adventure with a rich and dark story that was essentially a dive into insanity via Viking Hell. The first game was utterly sublime, so we're expecting more of the same from the sequel. This time it's exclusive for PC and Xbox Series X.

The Last of Us Part 1

Release date: TBA
Type: Action
Publisher: Sony Entertainment
See official site

Sony is doing it again. The company has revealed that another of its popular PlayStation games is making its way to PC. The Last Of Us Part 1 is a remake that's coming to PC at some point and will give PC gamers access to another classic.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2

Release date: TBC
Type: Action RPG
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
See it on Steam/Pre-order at Fanatical

The follow-up to 2004's awesome Vampire: The Masquerade - The Bloodlines is coming in 2021. The previous game was an utter RPG masterpiece packed full of vampires, dark alleyways and rich characters. The new game is written by the same creative genius behind that game, so we're expecting more of the same here.

Sadly it's not looking good for this game at the moment after Paradox Interactive pulled Hardsuit Labs from the development and has postponed pre-orders.

End State

Release date: Coming soon
Type: Strategy
Publisher: Iron Sight
See it on Steam

End State is set a to be an interesting early access game coming later this year. It uses turn-based play allowing you to manage a mercenary company tracking down terrorists.

There's the promise of an open-world experience where you get to pick and choose the missions you play in a world with destructible environments that include bullet penetration and more. An interesting ballistics simulation system and enemy reaction system should make this an interesting game for sure.

Phantom Brigade

Release date: TBD
Type: Turn-based tactical RPG
Publisher: Brace Yourself Games
See it on Steam

Phantom Brigade is a turn-based tactical RPG, that promises a cinematic spin on the genre. This game will also have a focus on in-depth customisation and player-driven stories. It will be your mission to lead The Brigade through a hard-fought campaign to retake their homeland.

Last Man Sitting

Release date: TBA
Type: Early access Battle Royale
Publisher: PixelPizza Games
See it on Steam

Last Man Sitting is probably the most ridiculous Battle Royale game you're ever likely to see. Smartly dressed sit in green office chairs armed to the teeth. Shotguns, ragdoll psychics and a slippery floor are bound to make for plenty of shenanigans and much hilarity.

The Elder Scrolls VI

Release date: TBC
Type: Open world RPG
Publisher: Bethesda
See the official site

Elder Scrolls fans have been waiting impatiently for a sequel to Skyrim for what might seem like forever. Now we finally have proof that The Elder Scrolls VI is coming at some point, we just don't know much beyond that. Exciting times lie ahead though.

Elder Scrolls 6: Release date and everything you need to know

Smalland

Release date: Coming soon
Type: Action-adventure/RPG
Publisher: Merge Games
See it on Steam

What would you if you found yourself shrunk down to a minute size where trees were suddenly the size of skyscrapers and even simple blades of grass tower overhead? That's the world of Smalland and wonderful adventures await including running from packs of rats, trying to survive in a strange new world and even riding wasps as mounts.

Smalland promises multiplayer survival like no other, with a wonderful sandbox, hidden quests and NPCs to meet and much more besides. Sounds amazing.

Manor Lord

Release date: TBA
Type: Medieval strategy
Publisher: Slavic Magic
See it on Steam

Manor Lords is an indie medieval strategy game with "realistic" city building, battles and the promise of a full building freedom which should be thoroughly enjoyable.

Everything is medieval too. Youll need oxen to plough the fields, you'll have to herd sheep and fight battles too. Looks like fun.

Alan Wake 2

Release date: 2023
Type: Survival Horror
Publisher: Epic Games Publishing/Remedy Entertainment
See it on Epic Games/See it on Steam

Alan Wake 2 is being teased and we're beyond excited. It looks like the new addition to the series lives up to the classic Remedy Entertainment masterpiece with an intense atmospheric experience and a wonderful psychological story too.

Crysis 4

Release date: TBA
Type: First Person Shooter
Publisher: Crytek
See the official site

Crytek has announced that it's working on Crysis 4. It's in the early stages of development at the moment but is promising to be "a truly next-gen shooter". What that means we'll have to wait and see.

Project 007

Release date: TBA
Type: Stealth shooter?
Publisher: IO Interactive
See the official site

If you enjoy Bond, then this is bound to thrill. From the creators of the Hitman series is coming a James Bond game which is said to feature not only a "...wholly original Bond story" but an origin one at that. Count us in.

Kingpin: Reloaded

Release date: TBC
Type: Action RPG
Publisher: 3D Realms/Interplay
See the official site/See it on Steam

If, like us, you're old enough to remember 1999's Kingpin: Life of Crime, then you might be pleased to hear that the controversial game is getting a remaster later this year. This reboot will add 4K and ultrawide support, as well as rebalanced gameplay, yet keeps the same classic aesthetic. We're looking forward to reliving the hazy days.

Splinter Cell Remake

Release date: TBC
Type: Action Stealth
Publisher: Ubisoft

A Splinter Cell Remake is in development. It's early days, but if you've been waiting to jump back into the shoes of Sam Fisher then this is bound to get you excited. We certainly are!

Final Fantasy 16: Story, trailers and everything you need to know

Max Freeman-Mills — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 09:22:00 +0000

There are few series in gaming as famous or as long-running as Final Fantasy - the towering RPG games are utterly beloved all around the world, and the series has produced multiple of the best role-playing games ever.

Best PS5 games: Amazing PlayStation 5 titles to pick up

Unsurprisingly, it's therefore a big deal when the next Final Fantasy game gets announced, which Sony knew full well when it unveiled the game in late 2020 as part of a PS5 showcase. What do you need to know about the next big entry in the series, though? Read on to find out.

Final Fantasy 16 trailers and release date

The first trailer for Final Fantasy 16, as detailed as it was, didn't end with a release date for the game, as you can see below.

Thankfully, though, we got a second trailer in early June 2022, which confirmed that the game will be coming out in Summer 2023, giving us a window during which to expect it.

This was followed up in October 2022 with a stunning new story trailer that you can see below.

It ends with a reiteration of the Summer 2023 window, which is a welcome reassurance. In late November 2022, the game started to pass certification processes in a few countries, which typically indicates an imminent release announcement, too.

We also know plenty about the game's developers - it's being produced by Naoki Yoshida and directed by Hiroshi Takai, who both had a major say in the rebirth and renewed success of Final Fantasy 14, the online game that's still thriving now. Their success looks to have booked them the biggest job possible - steering the ship on a new mainline game.

Final Fantasy 16 platforms

On the platform front, there's a little more clarity, as we know that the game will be a PlayStation exclusive, at least for a period, and will be coming to the PS5. There's a chance it could work on the PS4 as well, although we wouldn't bet our house on that.

We'd expect the game to likely to come to PC close to launch as well, but the question of it arriving on Xbox is a little harder to guess at. Skipping Xbox entirely would be a really bold play, though, so we imagine it'll rock up on Microsoft's next-gen consoles after a bit of time, most likely a year, has elapsed.

Sadly, as is becoming more and more the default for big releases, we wouldn't get your hopes up about a port to the Nintendo Switch - the game looks graphically intensive, so there's little chance it will work on Nintendo's more power-limited hardware.

Final Fantasy 16 story

Of course, the key to any Final Fantasy game is its roster of characters, and the story they're enveloped in. We can glean a fair amount about what lies in wait for us during the sixteenth game from the trailer and what information Square has released so far.

The game is set in the land of Valisthea, divided into six realms and dominated by mountainous Mothercrystals, the source of magic in the world. As you'd imagine, though, all isn't well - each nation has a Dominant in it, a living person who contains a deadly power called an Eikon, which can emerge in the form of a titanic monster. Some of these people are like royalty, while others are closer to weapons in how they're treated.

The characters we know about so far include Clive Rosfield, who looks a lot like our central protagonist at this stage - he's sworn to protect his younger brother, Joshua, who is a Dominant. Jill Warrick, meanwhile, is a close friend to both. This trio has been detailed, but we don't know much more beyond the fact that some form of tragedy will spark a quest for revenge led by Clive.

Amusingly, in late June 2022 we got confirmation that the game will have exclusively British accents, with no Americans there to break the accepted illusion of a European-style setting. The English voice actors will have full lip-syncing, too, according to producer Naoki Yoshida.

Final Fantasy 16 gameplay

From what we can tell of the gameplay shown off in the trailers so far, Final Fantasy 16 looks like it's set to bring evolution, not revolution, to the series' recent gameplay. Like FF15, it would seem we'll get real-time combat to keep things active, but the system looks a little more reactive and quick.

The gameplay so far has also all been focussed around one player character, rather than a party - this could be a pretty big change for the series after decades of titles where you control the actions of multiple characters as they fight together.

Beyond that, we'd assume that we'll get an overworld to explore as in previous entries, and many sidequests to complete if we fancy. We're hopeful that this might all be a little more interactive than it was in FF15, too, with exploration in that game a little stilted by the reliance on roads - with a more high fantasy-style setting this time, we're looking forward to running around the countryside ourselves a bit more.

In a big interview with GameSpot, this idea was actually refuted a little, with producer Naoki Yoshida confirming that the game will have open hub areas, but not a fully open world.

He also confirmed that the Eikon battles glimpsed in the June 2022 gameplay trailer are going to be a major part of the game, with players able to sometimes take direct control through Clive. Sometimes, though, Clive will be navigating through these battles as a human, dwarfed by the Eikons above him.

We'll apparently control Clive through multiple time periods as he ages from a teen through to his thirties, so the story sounds like it will have a grander scale than some recent Final Fantasy tales.

Yoshida confirmed that the darker tone of the trailers is accurate - this will be the first Final Fantasy in ages to be given a mature rating in many territories, apparently, as the creative team was committed to exploring some slightly more realistic and adult themes.

Cleer's latest Bluetooth speaker promises hi-fi quality audio without breaking the bank

Luke Baker — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Cleer has a reputation for delivering big sound at a low price point, particularly with its noise-cancelling headphones.

Now, the brand is taking this knowledge and applying it to a new Bluetooth speaker called Scene.

Cleer says that its Scene speaker sets a new standard in its category for crystal clear, hi-fi quality audio on the move.

The speaker is said to deliver "audio with a focus on clarity and definition, paired with tight bass that punches for an energetic and rhythmic listening experience"

At a price of £99 or €119 in the UK and Europe, it's an exciting proposition and undercuts many of the big-brand offerings.

The speaker utilises dual 48mm neodymium dynamic drivers along with twin passive radiators to deliver a room-filling sound.

It's IPX7-rated for water resistance and is built with durability in mind, so partying outdoors presents no issues.

The speaker offers 12 hours of playback on a charge and has a built-in noise-cancelling microphone for taking calls.

Scene has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity along with a 3.5mm aux input, meaning that it can connect to a wide variety of sources.

If you're keen on picking one up, it is available from today in the UK and Europe on Amazon and Cleer's website.

squirrel_widget_12863029

Pocket-lint Awards Product of the Year winners: The best gadgets from 2005 - 2022

Rik Henderson — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The EE Pocket-lint Awards reached its 19th year in 2022 and once again we whittled down hundreds of products to a select few to be crowned the best-of-the-best in their category. With 20 categories each year, it's no easy feat.

But, which gadgets have won the coveted "Product of the Year" award each year since we've been running the Awards? We've rounded up the overall winners, so you can see what gadgets have defined almost two decades of consumer tech.

Here are the ultimate award winners all the way back to 2005. How many of them have you owned?

EE Pocket-lint Awards 2022 winners special - Pocket-lint Podcast ep. 176

Rik Henderson — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

The Pocket-lint Podcast episode 176 is now available to stream and download.

In it, the Pocket-lint team run through the winners of each of the 20 categories of the EE Pocket-lint Awards 2022, plus reveal the EE Superfast Award and the overall Product of the Year.

So join host Rik, Pocket-lint's editor Chris Hall and reviews editor Verity Burns to find out what gadgets, games, cars and tech were the best of 2022.

You can listen to the latest episode above - along with previous instalments - and also find out how to subscribe to the Pocket-lint Podcast via Acast here.

It is also available on Spotify, iTunes, Google and via RSS.

The weekly podcast goes live every Friday morning, bringing you 30 minutes of the latest tech news, a top industry interview, plus reviews of different gadgets in the most talked-about categories - all featuring the knowledge and experience of the Pocket-lint team and, sometimes, special guests.

We'll be talking to smart home and smartphone manufacturers, and many other tech wizards in the coming weeks and months, so make sure you get every episode automatically delivered to your device of choice.

If you enjoy Pocket-lint.com and the podcast, you can also sign up to our daily email newsletter here.

Previous interviewees

Check out the people we've interviewed on previous episodes of the Pocket-lint podcast:

Episode 175: Frank Weber, BMW

Editor Chris Hall interviewed the BMW Group's development CTO while they drove around Palm Springs in the new BMW i7. They discussed the company's electric and autonomous vehicle future and more.