Xbox's family of transparent controllers is getting a new addition. The company has revealed a brand new Pulse Cipher Special Edition controller that has the same transparent design as its predecessors but in a vibrant red color instead. It's now available to preorder at Amazon, Best Buy, and on the Microsoft Store for $74.99. You won't have to wait too long to get your hands on it, either, as it's set to release on February 4 this year. Head to the links below to get your preorders in today.Preorder Xbox Pulse Cipher Special Edition Wireless Controller Out February 4Out February 4, 2025Xbox Wireless Controller Pulse Cipher Special Edition Series X|S, One, and Windows DevicesAlongside its bright red transparent shell, which reveals a silver interior, this Xbox controller features "red, diamond-shaped rubberized grips, dark red accents across the bumpers, buttons, and two-toned thumbsticks, a metallic hybrid D-pad, and matching metallic triggers" per Xbox Wire. It's an excellent investment for those who have been enjoying the nostalgia of the Cipher series controllers.If you're looking to pick up one of the other Cipher controllers alongside preordering this new one, the good news is that the Sky Cipher one is actually discounted right now at Amazon. The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core wireless controller is also discounted right now, if you want to look outside of the Cipher controllers. You can check out those deals and many more in our roundup of the best Xbox deals.Limited Time to Save on Xbox Game Pass Once you've got your brand new controller, you can get set up with some new games to play with this discount on three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at Woot. This deal only lasts for a limited time though, so if you've been itching to jump into the Game Pass library, now's a great time to do it and save some cash in the process.Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.

Will Smith, whose career has deep ties to The Matrix, teased something involving the sci-fi franchise earlier this month, but it turns out it's just a song from him and rapper Big Sean.The actor posted on Instagram to announce a song called Beautiful Scars from "Mr Anderson and Mr Smith," which releases January 30. The image for the song features both artists in The Matrix attire and their names in the classic computer font.Smith appears to be portraying Neo, which is perhaps a reference to his turning down of the role in the 1990s before it was picked up by Keanu Reeves. Big Sean, meanwhile, is wearing the suit, jacket, and iconic glasses of Morpheus.A tease from Smith on January 7 recreated the iconic scene from the film, showing a black screen with the words "Wake up, Will..." typed up. Fans therefore theorised his connection to The Matrix was about to come full circle with his starring in The Matrix 5, but Hollywood Reporter said this wasn't the case.The Matrix 5 is still shrouded in mystery, however. It was announced in April 2024 from Warner Bros. with The Martian and The Cabin in the Woods' Drew Goddard set to write and direct. It will be the first film not to have either of The Wachowskis, Lana or Lilly, at the helm, though the former will executive produce.While the original The Matrix is among the most beloved films of all time, its sequels were less well received and even reboot film The Matrix Resurrections was widely panned upon its release in 2021. "The Matrix Resurrections is a bunch of really good ideas stacked together to make a bad and sometimes ugly film," IGN said in our 4/10 review.Photo by DANIEL RAMALHO/AFP via Getty Images.Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

Dishonored 2 cost more to make than legendary role-playing game and fellow Bethesda title The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim and struggled for sales, but it still saved developer Arkane according to a former employee.Julien Eveill, who worked in quality assurance on Dishonored 2 and as a designer on sequel Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, told PC Gamer that the game underperformed financially but saved Arkane by providing a "seal of quality" that "would maybe be considered the most refined games of the whole Bethesda catalogue."Bethesda questioned the series' viability in the wake of disappointing sales of Dishonored 2 and Death of the Outsider, Eveill said.PlayIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250"It was a bit strange and weird. I think when Bethesda was looking at the numbers, they thought, 'Okay, Skyrim sold so much. And it cost less than Dishonored 2 to make.' So they were asking questions," he said."From an executive spend standpoint, it makes sense to ask those questions of, 'Why should we keep going with you?' But we knew that we had a kind of seal of quality protection, making what would maybe be considered the most refined games of the whole Bethesda catalogue."This "kind of saved the studio," Eveill added, noting that focusing on this kind of game instead of chasing trends like live service games was critical to the "future success of the studio." This pedigree continued on to Deathloop, deemed a masterpiece by IGN, and fans will surely hope the incoming Marvel's Blade will have that quality too.This is a tale of two Arkanes, however, as Arkane Austin infamously went down that path of chasing trends when it developed Redfall as a live service title, though this was reportedly at the request of upper management and not the actual developers creating it.Redfall launched without that Arkane "seal of quality" but instead with "bland missions, boneheaded enemies, and repeated technical problems," according to IGN's 4/10 review. Bethesda owner Microsoft later shut down the studio in a devastating round of lay offs.Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard developer BioWare has released a new patch for the game and in the same breath suggested its basically done with it less than three months after launch.As spotted by Eurogamer, Patch 5 includes just one quality-of-life improvement and a number of bug fixes, but its the wording from BioWare that suggests this is the final major patch Dragon Age: The Veilguard will get.Thank you all for playing Dragon Age: The Veilguard; we were so happy with the games stability at launch and hope you have enjoyed our Quality of Life patches since then, BioWare said. With the game being in a stable place, we are moving to monitor for any game-breaking bugs should those occur. Dareth shiral!Moving to monitor game-breaking bugs sounds like players shouldnt expect any new content. And as Eurogamer points out, "dareth shiral" means "farewell" in Dragon Age's Elvish language.IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250Dragon Age: The Veilguard was the first new game in the fantasy RPG series in 10 years, but it came and went not with a bang but a whimper. Amid the launch BioWare confirmed Dragon Age: The Veilguard wouldnt get any post-launch DLC, shocking fans who had hoped for expansions as previous Dragon Age games had received.This week, publisher and owner EA admitted Dragon Age: The Veilguard had failed to meet sales expectations by a whopping 50%; it had expected three million players, but the game managed only 1.5 million.There's been some smoke around Dragon Age: The Veilguard's struggles, such as it receiving a significant discount just a month after launch for Cyber Monday, and the departure of its director, Corinne Busche, from BioWare just last week. We've chronicled some of the game's development challenges already, including layoffs and the departure of several project leads at different stages.Mass Effect 5 now appears to be BioWares focus, although it seems far, far away still. And what next for Dragon Age? Given how Dragon Age: The Veilguard went for EA, it seems the publisher will take some convincing to greenlight yet another sequel any time soon.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Cardy, Matt, and Wes are here to talk through January 2025's Xbox Developer Direct and the impressive quartet of games featured; Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Ninja Gaiden 4. Plus, there's also some time for some hands-on impressions of Assassin's Creed: Shadows thanks to Matt's sneaking and slashing around rural Japan. Remember to send us your thoughts about all the new games, TV shows, and films you're enjoying or looking forward to: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.IGN UK Podcast 784: Doom, Doom, Doom, Doom, I Want You in My RoomPlay

Mortal Kombat 1s big Conan the Barbarian update launched this week and with it came the arrival of a secret fight with Floyd, the pink ninja developer Ed Boon had been teasing for years. Not only that, but if you defeat Floyd you unlock cool exclusive rewards, including a coveted new stage.But how exactly do you trigger the secret Floyd fight? Players are working together to try to crowdsource the answer. This community effort, led by Mortal Kombat modder and dataminer thethiny, has done much to unravel the mystery, but the exact process remains unknown.Heres what fans have worked out: a number of Floyd challenges must be completed before the fight with Floyd triggers. How many, no-one knows. Which challenges must be completed, and in which order? No-one knows that either. Worse, it appears different for each player. Thats not much help, is it?PlayIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250What is helping is thethinys Google Doc that lists the various challenges players have discovered and the requirements for each. When youve completed a challenge the Floyd icon will pop up on the left of the screen and youll hear a guitar riff. Requirements include taunting four times in a match, winning without jumping, and winning using sweeps only. Some of these challenges can be completed using any character, some with certain characters only. 37 Floyd clues have been discovered so far. Maybe there are more!It appears to be the case that you do not have to complete all 37 Floyd challenges to fight Floyd. It also appears to be the case that players have different active challenges, so there isnt a single process fans can rely upon. It's all a bit confusing, but the best advice right now is to do as many of these challenges as you can, and eventually, hopefully, you'll fight Floyd.Occasionally, Floyd himself will appear at the start of the match to give you a clue (klue?) to one of your active challenges. Thethiny's data suggests it can take hundreds of ladder matches to get one of these clues from Floyd to pop up. Players are working through all this right now, and some are spending a lot of time doing so. Some are trying to increase their chances by restarting matches, but that comes with the risk of missing the Floyd clue because they only appear at the end of the match.What is clear is that the Floyd fight has breathed new life into Mortal Kombat 1. The new stage, the field seen in Mortal Kombat 1s announcement trailer, is gorgeous, so the reward for all this effort is a good one. And Floyd himself is sparking a deeper dive as modders try to work out the details of his moveset and which characters from the Mortal Kombat games have inspired it. Its just a whole lot of fun to be a part of and watch unfold.Meanwhile, weve got the T-1000 guest character to look forward to, and potentially more DLC to come, although NetherRealm has yet to confirm that. Hopefully whatever happens, the developer will throw in more secret fights over time, perhaps with Mortal Kombats iconic Pit stage as a reward.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Mythic Quest's two-part season 4 premiere streams on Apple TV+ beginning Wednesday, January 29, with new episodes debuting weekly through March 26.After lengthy hiatuses, Severance and Mythic Quest return to the office this month. But thats not the only thing the sci-fi thriller and the workplace comedy have in common: Both Apple TV+ shows are equally invested in exploring personal and professional boundaries (or lack thereof). In its fourth season, the MQ team still struggles to separate home and office, but Poppy Liu (Charlotte Nicdao) embraces a work work life balance. That phrase, with its purposeful repetition, hits on the relatable and absurd qualities of this workaholic environment even after all this time away, Mythic Quest remains sharp and incisive in depicting the world of video-game development. No cheat code is available to prevent Poppy from getting too entangled with creative partner Ian Grimm (Rob McElhenney), and the duo remains the series' driving force. Introducing another man into Poppys life (an artist called Storm, played by Chase Yi) upsets the equilibrium, giving the season a different energy from previous years. Disrupting the status quo ensures Mythic Quest isnt repeating itself, even if Poppy and Ian have returned to the MQ fold after their stint running GrimPop Studios.While Poppy and Ians rollercoaster partnership brilliantly anchors season 4, creators McElhenney, Megan Ganz, and Charlie Day (the last of whom guest stars this season) have always understood that the strength of Mythic Quest lies in its ensemble. Everyone is back in the same place, yet their relationships are more fractured than ever. Danas (Imani Hakim) game within Playpen is driving huge numbers, and still, MQ gets the lions share of the revenue it generates. The goalposts of success continue to move, and she tries to hit the elusive sweet spot between artistic fulfillment and earning her worth. Her girlfriend, Rachel (Ashly Burch), is the head of monetization for MQ, and theres no way to predict how the pair will navigate that conflict of interest. Jo (Jessie Ennis) and Brad (Danny Pudi) are part of Danas team, and they immediately add a level of intensity when anyone tries to enter Danas office. She might not have financial power, but Danas support system terrifies David (David Hornsby). This trio isnt the only winning dynamic in the mix. Season 4 soars when it pairs Rachel and David for a congressional hearing; the same goes for when most of the crew comes together for an Ethics Committee meeting. Theres no weak link here, but with a cast this big and so many ongoing threads to manage, some moments from earlier in the season fizzle too quickly. The gang gets a new hot potato to toss around in the form of generative AI, but through the first nine episodes of season 4, that topic with its profound implications for the characters onscreen, the actors playing them, the writers room, heck everyone involved with the production of Mythic Quest provides some brief laughs but not much else. Witnessing a pro-AI Ian come up against a flawed system only left me wanting more.Other ebbs and flows in the video game industry still provide a lot of humor and tension. Giving the users power turns Playpens kid-friendly platform into a haven of animated smut, delivering a bounty of visual gags. Though the platform still generates interest, an overall dip in sales in a post-lockdown world leads to a recurring gag in which David pines for the financially plum heyday of the pandemic. His people-pleasing attempts often backfire, yet his lack of spine, tone-deaf reasoning, and constant siding with corporate ensure you dont feel too bad for him. The more exasperated he becomes, the funnier Hornsby gets.Mythic Quest Season 4 GalleryPlaying with the formula keeps MQs dysfunctions fresh. (Another feather of invention and innovation in the series cap: The forthcoming four-part spinoff Side Quest, which debuts the same day as the fourth-season finale.) Season 4 doesnt skip the Mythic Quest tradition of a one-off detour from the main story, and though it doesnt hit the heights of season 1s A Dark Quiet Death, the episodes focus creatively fits the setting boundaries theme. This episode taps into a corner of the industry that continues to grow, and the sitcom maintains its funny and silly streak while delving into (but not getting bogged down by) real life issues.Another standout episode takes place outside the offices, with the entire team (plus Storm) receiving an invitation to a secluded location for a murder mystery. Playing games is central to the MQ business model, but in this case, some good old-fashioned sleuthing taps into the personal stakes that make Mythic Quest so appealing. In any creative field, you have to move forward and reinvent; this episode both demonstrates and achieves this in the way storylines advance and characters evolve. A whodunnit in the vein of Mafia (or even Traitors) provides a familiar enough backdrop to convince each of the participants that they a) know the game inside and out, and b) can win. Costume designer Sabrina Rosen nails the Agatha Christie-leaning wardrobe required for the episode, and the entire ensemble flourishes in this setting. The episode, directed by Ganz (who co-wrote it with Humphrey Ker), gets to the heart of the nuanced relationships that have been building since season 1, while also throwing thorny and sweet surprises into the mix. Mythic Quest remains sharp and incisive.Poppy and Ian have survived plenty of storms in the past, but a new one is brewing thanks to her love life. (Yes, there are plenty of puns on Poppys new boyfriends name, and no, I couldnt resist getting in the mix.) The platonic creative partners exist outside of a will-they/wont-they situation, yet Storm introduces all the ingredients of a classic love triangle. Ians jealousy isnt informed by romantic attraction, but his reaction to Poppy finding something fulfilling beyond her career makes the duos journey fascinating. If work is no longer all Poppy thinks about, then where does that leave Ian? They have weathered myriad conflicts (including the failure of GrimPop last season), and creating the next thing is the glue that sticks them together. However, Poppy finding a new source of happiness and even inspiration has the potential to break them apart. The previous victories and ruptures fueled by ego, expectation, and talent make this all work. Nicdao gets to tap into new and old insecurities and is equally convincing across a spectrum of emotions that make her the MVP of the season. And her comedic timing here is next level. Poppy is still a hot mess, which further adds to the comedy and this arc is a brilliant showcase for Nicdao (who also directs this season). PlayAt the helm, McElhenney is dependable in showing Ians endless arrogance and vulnerabilities. Change is hard, and while Ian resorts to old tactics, Mythic Quests depiction of evolving priorities ensures this season feels as fresh as ever, immediately pulling us back into this world after a prolonged absence and proving it is far from game over.

This review is based on a screening at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.Amanda Kramer is a visionary. That much is inarguable. The writer-director creates worlds that are both inspired by pre-existing aesthetics 1950s pulp novels in Please Baby Please, 80s exercise videos in Give Me Pity! and entirely her own. Theyre theatrical exercises in well, this part is a little more ambiguous, as Kramers films, despite (or perhaps because of) their defiant attitudes and freewheeling energy, are often unfocused. That remains the case with her latest, By Design, a quasi-body-swap movie in which Juliette Lewis wants to buy an expensive chair so badly, she fuses her soul to it. The film gestures towards commentary on conspicuous consumption, its links to the objectification of women, and the ways people tie basic human needs like belonging and identity to their stuff. I shop, therefore I am that kind of thing. But the gestures soon become repetitive, and their point remains elusive. Lewis Camille, as were told in an opening voiceover from none other than Melanie Griffith, is a relatively happy and well-adjusted person. She still has that savage emptiness inside of her soul thats a defining characteristic of modern life, however. Her friends Lisa (Samantha Mathis) and Irene (Robin Tunney) talk at her and around her, and her mom Cynthia (Betty Buckley) expresses love by buying her shoes. As Camille, Lewis spends a good bit of the movie slumped over like a doll. But her eyes are unfocused and far away, even when shes in control of her limbs. Kramer doesnt bother explaining how Camille fuses her consciousness with that of The Stunner, a tastefully designed, sensually curved wooden armchair that makes everyone in this movie lose their damn minds. Would it make the concept any more believable if she did? Instead, Kramer films outwards from The Stunners seat, the lens smeared with Vaseline to indicate Camilles fuzzy, disoriented, disembodied POV. But oh, what bliss to be a chair! To shed this messy human body and become something hard and smooth and perfect and desired by all who see it!Its even more blissful to be sat upon, particularly by a handsome gentleman like Olivier (Mamoudou Athie), a pianist whose ex gives him the chair because she feels guilty about taking the rest of the furniture in their breakup. Olivier is desired; women want him, and men want to impress him. He moves in rarified art-world circles, whose empty pretension and severe haircuts By Design mercilessly spoofs through a series of minor characters. Any statement in these scenes beyond simply (figuratively) turning to the camera and yelling ART WORLD remains ambiguous, however. The Best Movie of 2024Perhaps thats because By Design is self-consciously artistic as well. Some of the stranger and more interesting scenes in the film are accomplished through the use of modern dancers, who roll around and pile on top of each other to form shapes with their bodies not unlike the sexy arc of the chair. (Uh oh, its spreading.) The only time the films musings about desire and envy really become erotic is when Lewis and Athie engage in a choreographed dance of seduction, with Lewis stiffening her limbs into chair-like shapes and Athie bending his around her.This is indeed very weird. But its also done in complete seriousness, with a subdued energy that effectively tamps down any ironic smirking. By Design demands to be taken seriously as art, as is its right it certainly makes it more intriguing than some tired so bad its good version of this premise. This gravity also opens it up to rigorous interpretation, however, which is where Kramers anarchic tendencies can become liabilities.By Design demands to be taken seriously as art, as is its right.One area where By Design is extremely disciplined is in its production design, unified around a rarefied version of the Southwestern aesthetic popular in suburban living rooms in the 80s and 90s. Were talking carpeted bathrooms. Dusty pink and denim blue. Puffy white chairs. Clay lamps in whitewashed fireplaces. Its so out of fashion that it circles back to avant garde. And Kramer makes it her own, as she always does. The performances are less unified: Lewis leans into becoming an object this is one case where Go girl! Give us nothing! is actually a good thing while Athie, whos shown an affinity for mind-bending roles with projects like Black Box and Kinds of Kindness, plays the most recognizably human character in the movie. Udo Kier shows up, doing his campy Udo Kier thing, and the rest of the supporting cast dials into his wavelength.The dissonance between the performances and the scattered breadcrumbs of commentary combine awkwardly with the films own ambitions towards fine art, creating an experience thats confounding in a different way. Its not as fun as its bizarre premise might suggest, in other words, which is a testament to Kramers uncompromising artistic integrity. Theres a lot of modern dance to get there, though.

Robert Eggers will follow up his gothic horror movie Nosferatu with a sequel to the beloved classic, Labyrinth.Variety reports that Eggers will write and direct the sequel to Jim Hensons 1986 dark fantasy movie starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. Eggers will be writing the film with his collaborator on The Northman, Sjn. A sequel was previously in the works with Sinister director Scott Derrickson attached. But with no updates since 2023, it appears that TriStar and Jim Henson Pictures decided to move forward with a new sequel from Eggers.PlayOriginally released in 1986, Labyrinth starred Bowie as the Goblin King Jareth who kidnaps Connellys baby brother. She ventures into the dark fantasy world to rescue her brother with the help of a gang of Henson puppets.The Labyrinth sequel isnt the only thing Eggers is working on. It was revealed that the director will also be directing a werewolf movie titled Werwulf with plans for a Christmas 2026 release. The only known details is that the movie is set in 13th century England, with dialogue written in the Old English of the time. Presumably someone will turn into a wolf monster at some point.Nosferatu was released last Christmas and is a remake of the 1922 silent movie by F.W. Murnau. Set in 19th century Germany, Nosferatu follows a young real estate agent sent to Transylvania to sell its mysterious count a castle in Germany, only for dark, vampiric nightmares to begin manifesting around him and his wife Ellen.Nosferatu earned four Oscar nominations today including Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling. You can read our Nosferatu review here.Matt Kim is IGN's Senior Features Editor.

Our favorite Game Pass deal is back for the first time in 2025. Woot! (which is owned by Amazon) is offering three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for only $33.99. There's a 10% off coupon "SAVETEN" that drops the price to $30.59 with free digital delivery. The normal monthly cost is $19.99. This coupon only runs for 24 hours and will expire end of day.Note that you can purchase multiple Game Pass codes and apply them to your account up to a maximum of 36 months, however SAVETEN is one-time use and will only work on one of your Game Pass codes. The coupon field is at the final step of checkout right under the "Place Order" button.3 Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $30.593 Months of Xbox Game Pass UltimateMultiple digital codes can be stacked (code can only be applied once)Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives you access to a library of hundreds of Xbox games, including day one releases. If you don't own a console and don't want to pay for one, there's even a legitimate way to play Game Pass games without an Xbox. Although you do lose access to the library once your membership is over, all your past achievements and progress will be saved. New release games are not cheap, and being able to play them at launch without paying retail price for them will save you a lot of money. This perk alone will easily recoup the cost of the membership.Other perks include access to Xbox Game Pass for PC, exclusive membership discounts, Xbox Cloud Gaming, a bonus EA Play subscription, extra in-game content and rewards, and more.Check out more of the best Xbox deals of 2025.Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

When this 18-year AC fan was told hed be spending time in Shadows, that'sI was soon tested by bandit ronin, angry samurai, and those big-boned gits game designers love to roll out as Heavies. My greatest enemy, however, was the Stygian darkness around me. Trying to fight silhouetted foes by their UI flourishes and navigating intricate castle battlements using controller vibration braille? Challenging.It dawned on me that Id simply have to wait until the sun came up, in-game, at which point my heroine would be less effective because shed stand out like a tengus diamond-studded nose ring.Assassin's Creed Shadows - Art and Concept ArtBe that as it may, I'm glad I soldiered on. Though the overall experience still wasnt perfect, in full daylight, the considerably delayed and controversy-stricken Shadows shone brighter than I figured it could. Mind you, my expectations were lower than one of Naoes underhanded sweep kick executions.In a minute, Im going to dive into Shadows pros and cons as I see them so far. For now, though, I guess I should provide prices for the diehards willing to make a leap of faith preorder now. If youre more the type to hang back, synchronise, and get a better lay of the landlike methen click here to skip the window shopping and get to my continued thoughts. Assassins Creed Shadows (Standard Edition)Assassin's Creed ShadowsPS5Get it at Amazon - $89Get it at JB Hi-Fi - $89Get it at Big W - $89Get it at Harvey Norman - $88Get it at PS Store (digital) - $109.95Xbox Series XGet it at Amazon - $89Get it at JB Hi-Fi - $89Get it at Big W - $89Get it at Harvey Norman - $88Get it at Xbox Store (digital) - $109.95PCGet it at Ubisoft Store - $TBAPreorder any version of Assassins Creed Shadows and youll receive a bonus quest called Thrown to the Dogs. You'll also get the first expansion for freeAssassins Creed Shadows Gold EditionPS5Get it at Amazon - $159.95Get it at JB Hi-Fi - $158Get it at Big W - $139Get it at PS Store (digital) - $TBAXboxGet it at Amazon - $159.95Get it at JB Hi-Fi - $158Get it at Big W - $139Get it at Xbox Store (digital) - $TBAPCGet it at Ubisoft Store - $TBAThe gold edition comes with the base game, plus the following:Season PassAssassins Creed Shadows Ultimate Edition (Digital)Get it at PS Store - $TBAGet it at Xbox Store - $TBAGet it at Ubisoft Store - $TBAThe digital-only ultimate edition comes with the game itself, plus the following:Season PassSekiryu character packSekiryu hideout pack5 skill pointsRed dragon filter in photo modeAssassins Creed Shadows Collectors EditionGet it for PS5 - $329.95Get it for Xbox Series X - $329.95Get it for PC - $329.95The collectors edition comes with the ultimate edition game, plus the following: Diorama figurine with dual protagonistsUltimate Edition: Base game + Ultimate packSteelbookHardcover artbookShinobi's metal tsuba replica with standSilk creed kakemono rollSet of 3 sumi-e lithographsHands On ContinuedLet me reiterate that a lack of brightness settings was a work-in-progress flub that definitely won't affect you on day one. And, despite my extreme visibility issues, even I could see something about Naoeshes just incredibly spry and fun to use. And I mean like no assassin Ive ever inhabited before (and Ive Animused them all). Shes brilliant at displacing from bad situations and using her last known location, plus a variety of tricks, to turn any stealth error into the perfect bait-and-switch kill.The key skill to use for this has got to be her multi-tool rope. Im introduced to it early on in a non-combat scenario first, which is basically me shooting the shit by scaling Himeji Castle and stopping to pat the odd random tailless cat that I chance upon.Sadly, this isnt a manually aimed grapple hook, which makes me miss the granddaddy of the genre, Tenchu: Stealth Assassins. What you get instead is a contextual LB icon that constantly flicks on and off in the upper middle of your screen to signify a no-looker attach opportunity. Again, this makes me miss a gameGhost of Tsushima and its more or less HUD-less approach to everything. This isnt a manually aimed grapple hook, which makes me miss the granddaddy of the genre, Tenchu.Zipping up castle ramparts with the grappling hookabout 30 feet per flingis pretty intoxicating too. I wouldnt say this game has the best climbing in the series, as I abhor how one-button and technique-less its been streamlined into, but Im willing to admit that its the most visually impressive upward scrambling Ive seen. Extremely complex hand grips and body contortions flow from animation to animation as Naoe scurries up things. She even does these nifty little contextual somersaults between rooftop eaves.All this being said, I did spot some frame rate chugs when I got to the highest altitudes. Presumably because the engine was girding itself to stream in some ridiculously commanding view at the end of my ascent.I expected the worst when I got up to the apex of this particular 152 foot castle and triggered the big synch point camera pan. To my relief, not a chug was there at all, so I believe its probably a tuning problem at this point. I also see no framerate issues when I chuck myself off that roof into a haybale roughly 100 ft below (truly the mechanic that never, ever gets old).Thanks to my Ubisoft demoers, Im kitted out with what I believe is some of the best gear available. Im rocking a Dragons Edge Legendary Katana, which provides two passive perks and very impressive Weapon DPS, Posture DPS, Ability Damage, and Adrenaline Gain numbers.I also have a Kusarigama (think: a fun-sized scythe with a chain attached to a chunk of metal) that goes by Death Whisperer and a Tanto (basically a short sword). Likewise, the clothes maketh the master assassins stats, so Im decked out in an epic Silent Shinobi Hood and cuirass, which also have large numbers to embiggen my Health, Crit Chance, and Adrenaline Gain.I also have a Kusarigama (think: a fun-sized scythe with a chain attached to a chunk of metal).When it comes to personal growth, this particular Animus system doesnt feel hugely unique when compared to the last high-tech sofa bed I lounged in. Like Valhalla, were grinding XP to earn levels that come with Knowledge Points to spend in Naoes six perk trees. Theyre named Katana, Kusarigama, Tanto, Tools, Shinobi, and Assassin, and each of them has around 16 or so things to buy.Ill start with the katana, my home slice favourite. Youll want to invest early in the Tidal Wave strike that pings you forward a few metres, bites off 25% damage, staggers the recipient, and can be upgraded to include a second target.I also adore the pantsings provided by Eviscerate, a gutstab that ends with this lovely Spartan-kick-to-backlip hybrid move. Upgrading it to be used on larger foes is worth it, purely because the base animation will unintentionally look like youre stabbing them in the groin instead of the stomach of a regular-sized grunt.Failing any of those techniques, the unimaginative swordsfolk among you can simply invest in Guard Breakers, Momentum Builders that reward comboing with damage, Repeat Dodges that achieve the same thing, Daze inflictions, and those good old-fashioned table-turning counter-attacks on your LB parry.The base animation will unintentionally look like youre stabbing them in the groin instead of the stomachIf crowd control isnt your bag, I had great success with Quick Strikes. Basically, if you pause after any attack and then tap RB or RT, you can inject two additional strikes into your combo. They seem to cross-up most foes. Or you can just do a Cyclone Blast that lassoes your chain ball into multiple enemies around you. Its low-damage stuff, admittedly, but the big-boy version of it knocks people back and even slices shrubs and small trees in half. (Im a sucker for the little details.)When it comes to the Tanto, you shouldnt let its diminutive size deceive you into thinking it cant provide large damage and big fun opportunities. Case in point: the Shadow Piecer ability that turns a thrown Tanto to the face into a follow-up charge where you yank it out at an unpleasant angle. When I upgraded that to gift back 80% of my adrenaline bar, well, everybody got an express delivery Tanto to their melon.Theres also the highly effective Shadow Barrage ability, which turns a successful dodge into a 20-second, freeform combofest that ends after 7 hits dispensed (or one received). If youre good enough to chain some kills in there, thatll up the damage by 5% for more murder. I punch all those numbers into my calculator, and it makes a smiley face.You should also know that the Tanto is the Little Bread Knife That Could in terms of armour breaking. There are a bunch of perks that have Naoe inexplicably finding the gaps in armour for massive pain. Bonus buckets of blood can be yours if you can perform these chink-finding stabs from behind.Beyond the three main weapons, I invested an absurd amount of points in my actual Tools of the trade. As an entree, I highly recommend placing yourself atop some balcony edge and then hoiking a stage 3 enhanced kunai into somebodys face for a 400% damage insta-kill. Hoiking a stage 3 enhanced kunai into somebodys face for a 400% damage insta-kill.As you may have guessed, Naoes greatest strength is her insane mobility, and Shinobi arts can give her Spider-Man-level skills at doing Peter parkour. On the grappling hook side of things, I was more than up for an Ascension Boost perk for zippier rooftop escapes. Likewise, the Heightened Sense mode, which makes time go molasses for 8 seconds, is pretty ludicrous. Itll cease when an enemy spots you, at which point the flow state ends and your beating probably begins.I also found great use in using the Vault technique after an attack deflectionyoull use the enemy as a mini jumping castle and then capitalising on his discombobulated state that follows. I also saw huge success with a Shallow Water Breathing technique for basically staying underwater forever as a means to crocodile snatch anybody near the waters edge.When my time came to an end with Assassins Creed Shadows, my impressions were of something familiar that's finally leaning hard into what has always been its most ideal and aspirational form. The original AC blueprint, from its very inception, was really just a Middle-Eastern-flavoured ninja sim. AC Shadowswell, half of it at leastfeels like a stealth experience homecoming thats been ages in the making.Naoe is my jam, and while this Japanese sandbox isnt as painterly as the islands of Tsushima and Iki, Shadows has the edge in terms of interesting major metropolitan areas. They're all built around what I consider to be the most satisfying to climb jungle gyms ever builtmulti-tier Edo-period fortresses.I simply cannot wait to scale them for the purposes of springboarding into repeated death-from-above executions (or just insane haybale dives). The new release date of March 20th can't get here soon enough. Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

Doom: The Dark Ages is set to release for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC on May 13 if you buy one of the more expensive editions, or May 15 if you buy the standard edition. The latest in a long line of heavy-metal-infused, demon-slaying first-person shooters, Doom: The Dark Ages promises to offer plenty of pools of blood and gore as you blast your way through the hordes of hell. Fun times. Its available to preorder now in handful of editions (see it at Best Buy). Below, youll find details about what comes in each edition, where its available, and more. Put on your Slayer suit and lets dive in.Doom: The Dark Ages - Standard EditionOut May 15Doom: The Dark Ages$69.99 at Best BuyPS5Get it at Best Buy - $69.99Get it at Target - $69.99Get it at Walmart - $69.99Get it at PS Store (digital) - $69.99XboxGet it at Best Buy - $69.99Get it at Walmart - $69.99Get it at Xbox Store (digital) - $69.99PCGet it at GMG (Steam) - $59.49Get it on Steam - $69.99The standard edition just comes with the game and the preorder bonus (see below). If youre cool with that, this is the one to get.Doom: The Dark Ages - Premium EditionOut May 13Doom: The Dark Ages - Premium Edition$99.99 at Best BuyPS5Get it at Best Buy - $99.99Get it at Target - $99.99Get it at Walmart - $99.99Get it at PS Store (digital) - $99.99XboxGet it at Best Buy - $99.99Get it at Walmart - $99.99Get it at Xbox Store (Digital) - $99.99PCGet it at GMG (Steam) - $84.99Get it on Steam - $99.99The premium edition comes with the game on disc and the following extras:2 days early access (starting May 13)Campaign DLCDigital artbook and soundtrackDivinity Skin PackDoom: The Dark Ages Premium UpgradeGet it for Xbox/Windows - $34.99If youve preordered the standard edition, or you plan to play the game via Game Pass, and you want the premium items or to play two days early, the premium upgrade gets you that. It basically turns your standard edition into the premium edition.Doom: The Dark Ages - Collectors BundleGet it at Bethesda Store - $199.99Get it at PlayStation Direct - $199.99Get it at Microsoft Store - $199.99The collectors edition comes with the premium edition of the game on disc, plus the following:12 Doom Slayer statueKey card replica in steelbookUp to 2 days early accessCampaign DLCDivinity Skin PackDigital artbook and soundtrackDoom: The Dark Ages Will Be on Game PassXbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 Months)Like all Microsoft-published games, Doom: The Dark Ages will be available to play on Game Pass Ultimate at launch. However, launch means the release date of the standard edition, which is May 15. If you want to play it two days early (May 13), you can purchase the premium upgrade above.Doom: The Dark Ages Preorder BonusPreorder the game, and youll receive the Void Doom Slayer skin at launch.Doom: The Dark Ages TrailerPlayFor info on what exactly the game is, check out our first Doom: The Dark Ages preview.Other Preorder GuidesChris Reed is a deals expert and commerce editor for IGN. You can follow him on Bluesky @chrislreed.com.

TVs may be an investment, but they are one of the most used gadgets in your home. You dont want to get some cheap screen with lackluster picture quality and a short lifespan just to save a few bucks. Instead, you should look for ways to spend less on the best TV ready for all your gaming and streaming needs. Luckily there are TV deals all year, so you never really have to pay full price for a new TV if you know when to look. Everyones aware of the discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and admittedly those sales often render the most savings if you can score the best deals. However, there are other times throughout the year you can find major savings on the best gaming TVs or quality 4K TVs. In the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl every year, the biggest TV-watching event of the year, youll often enjoy savings. Combine that with most manufacturers releasing new models for the spring, and you'll discover that right now is actually a great time to find a deal on older TVs. That said, there are always more upcoming sales events, like holiday weekends and Amazon Prime Day, on the horizon.Best Times to Buy a TVBlack Friday and Cyber MondayWhat was once a huge shopping day following Thanksgiving has now expanded into a couple weeks in November for sales on everything you can think of. TVs often have some of the deepest discounts of the year, and its one of the best times to look out for one. Youll find many lower-quality TVs for rock bottom prices, which could be handy for a guest bedroom or kid's playroom. Higher-end and newer models of TVs that came out in the spring are also often discounted, so youre bound to find a deal suited for you.Black Friday used to be exclusively for in-store shopping, where youd see people camping outside retailers like Best Buy and Walmart the night before to score the limited inventory and low prices. There are still some incredible TV deals only for in-store purchases, but theyre mostly just advertised to get people in the store, and the stock will more than likely be gone unless you get there early. If you have a specific TV youre searching for, just be sure to snag it quickly during these deals in 2025.Cyber Monday is online shopping's answer to Black Friday. Its simply when youll find the best deals shopping from online retailers. Amazon offers sales similar to Prime Day, which happens in the summer (and now in October), where youll find a variety of TV deals that are often available for a very limited time with a small stock. Other retailers like Best Buy and Walmart participate in Cyber Monday, and those stores will also have similar sales in-store. Before the Super BowlAfter the holiday rush comes one of the biggest TV-watching events of the year: The Super Bowl. Many retailers have better TV availability around mid-January and early February, as stock should be back after shoppers made their purchases during the holiday sales events. Therefore, in the weeks leading up to the big game, youll see great savings on TVs, including many massive screens. Typically, older models will go on sale first with better discounts, but you can still find a great deal on a newer TV. Right now, we're already seeing Super Bowl deals on Samsung OLED TVs. Early January is also when many TV manufacturers announce their newest models at the Consumer Electronics Show (See details about CES 2025 for the TVs you can expect to be on sale). That means some stores will be looking to get rid of their stock of older models to make room for the latest televisions coming in spring. SpringtimeIf youre seeking out a specific brand of television, be it Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, etc., many of those manufacturers release their latest TVs in the Springtime, starting around March and running through Memorial Day weekend. That means you may find deals on the older models of those TVs at that time as retailers want to make room for the new crop. Most manufacturers usually make minimal changes to the older models successor, so you wont miss out on many features if you choose to purchase last year's version. Amazon Prime DayPrime Day was once an Amazon Prime exclusive sale that started in mid-July to celebrate their birthday, but now other retailers join in with similar deals. Walmart, Best Buy, and a variety of other retailers put on their own sales around the same time, attempting to compete with the online retail giant. Some will even match prices.Amazon Prime Day generally lasts a few days during mid July and is only for Prime members. When it comes to TVs, youll often find deep discounts similar to the sales seen around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, many of the best TV deals are on older models. Be sure to keep your eye on the site, as deals are constantly added throughout the two-day sales event. All-in-all, Prime Day is still not as good as Black Friday when you compare the total number of sales across all retailers.Holiday WeekendsIf youre desperate for a new TV and dont want to wait, many retailers will have special sales during long holiday weekends, like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. These discounts often arent as great, and your TV selection is more limited, but youll still be able to score a decent deal on a TV.The next holiday weekend to be ready for is Labor Day weekend. You can most likely expect Labor Day sales to kick off the weekend before and last through Labor Day itself, which takes place on Monday, September 1.TV Release Cycles MatterIts important to pay attention to the TV release cycle to find the best discounts on TVs, especially if youre looking to buy the latest and greatest releases. In January, at the massive consumer tech conference, CES, is when many manufacturers will announce their upcoming models. Come springtime, starting around March, those new models start to roll out, with many retailers placing deeper discounts on older models. Youll still see releases into the summer. If youre looking to grab one of the newest models, prices often dont drop until the fall. When you hold out until Black Friday and Cyber Monday, youll see the best deals on the latest TVs. TV Brands With New ProductsMost of the notable TV brands release updated and new models of their TVs every year. We go over them below: SamsungSamsung has shifted its focus to higher-end models of TVs, and therefore, there's a limited selection when it comes to more budget-friendly options. We dont see a very big change from last year's lineup, with many new models offering minor upgrades from their predecessors. This crop of Samsung televisions continues promise better brightness, improvements to the mini-LED and Quantum Dot (QD-OLED) backlighting, along with upgrades to their already excellent gaming features. LGLG's OLED evo TVs are getting a few upgrades in 2025, including AI features for more personalization and an upgraded "Brightness Booster Ultimate" technology. For gamers, LG's new G5 TV will sport a 4K 165Hz5 variable refresh rate, aiming to decrease lag and frame stuttering. HisenseHisense continues to make a name for itself in the TV game with its 2025 lineup. Many of their higher-end ULED models now offer a 144Hz refresh rate for a better gaming experience. The 136" MicroLED TV is a stunning, large display that utilizes mini-LED technology to "eliminate traditional backlight limitations."VizioIn 2024, Vizio made a few small improvements to its latest TVs with some added features and better LED performance. They have also removed the top-line P-series model from their roster. Youll still get to choose from the mid-range M-series and the more budget-minded V-series. If youre okay with a 1080p resolution and a smaller screen, you can also grab the D-series on the cheap. TCLTCL made major changes to its TV lineup back in 2024. They introduced Q- and S-series, with their flagship model being the TCL QM8. At CES 2025, TCL announced a new entry-level Mini LED TV: the QM6K. Models are already available at 65", 75", and 85", with smaller size hitting the market later this year. RokuYes, thats right. Last year, Roku, the brand known for streaming devices and putting their smart technology into many other manufacturers' TVs, decided to branch out with its own lineup of Roku TVs. 11 different models range in size from 24 to 75 inches that are all designed for streaming first and foremost. The Roku Plus options will come with the Voice Remote Pro which features hands-free voice commands and rechargeable batteries, while the Roku Select models come with the more basic Roku Voice Remote. You can get access to the Roku Channel without a Roku streaming device, so you don't need to get a Roku-integrated TV to take advantage of the free streaming service.Top Budget TVs You Can Buy NowIf you're ready to shop right now, we keep an ongoing list of the latest TV deals worth shopping. We also have some top budget picks if you aren't necessarily in need of a sale. Below we've detailed some of our favorite cheap TVs you can buy in 2025:Hisense 65U6NGrab this TV for accurate colors, solid contrast, and a wealth of features for a surprisingly low price. See it at AmazonTCL 55Q750GStunning QLED TV that delivers impressive contrast and brightness and can even hit 144Hz in 4K with VRR enabled, all while remaining affordable.See it at AmazonHisense 50U6HFAn ultra-affordable TV offering Amazon Fire TV OS for simple streaming and smart home capabilities. See it at AmazonDanielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.

Article includes descriptions written by Robert Falchi.If you're searching for your next new game to play, Humble Choice January is now live, and this is the perfect bundle to discover something new! Each month, Humble Choice curates a selection of games for members to redeem. For January 2025, this includes games like Blasphemous 2, Against the Storm, Jagged Alliance 3, and more. This deal will only be available for a limited time, so check out the details below on how you can score this Humble Choice bundle!Humble Choice January 2025 GamesHumble Choice$11.99 at Humble BundleThis month, Humble Choice includes a total of eight different games that you can add to your library. With a wide variety of genres, developers, and publishers, this is a great way to find a new favorite game. One of the biggest games available this month is Against the Storm, an incredibly high-rated city builder that takes place in a dark fantasy world where you build out a customizable city. There's also Jagged Alliance 3, which we gave a 9/10 to in our review. You can check out the full list of games below:Against the StormJagged Alliance 3Blasphemous 2Beneath OresaFort SolisBoxes: Lost FragmentsDordogneThe Pegasus ExpeditionIn addition to these games, you can also score up to 20% off select games on the Humble Store! The longer that you have an active subscription, the more rewards you can unlock. 5% of each Humble Choice purchase also supports a charity that rotates monthly, with January's supporting Make-A-Wish, an organization that works to bring wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Don't miss out on this month's amazing Humble Choice selection!Against the StormIn Against the Storm, your enemy isnt a rival army or an alien threat, but the Blightstorma cataclysmic death-rain from above. This dark fantasy city builder blends everything you love about the genre with unique roguelite elements, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience with endless replayability. You play as the Viceroy, a general appointed by the Scorched Queen and tasked with reclaiming the wilderness from the Blightstorm. Lead a diverse group of magical creaturesfoxes, beavers, lizards, humans, and harpieseach with unique skills to help build and defend your growing network of village strongholds.Building and maintaining the new cities you develop across the land is the backbone of the experience in Against the Storm, and that gameplay loop is dialed in perfectly.Jagged Alliance 3The tactical turn-based strategy combat fans love about the Jagged Alliance series is back in an exciting new entry. Jagged Alliance 3 takes players to the fictional nation of Grand Chien, a land rich in natural resources but torn apart by deep political divides. When the newly elected president goes missing, and a rogue terrorist organization known as The Legion seizes control, chaos ensues.Its now up to you and a massive roster of interesting, memorable, and powerful mercenaries to retake Grand Chien, rescue the president, and restore order. Every decision you make, both on and off the battlefield, will shape the fate of the country. Will you engage in smaller, calculated skirmishes or launch bold, all-out assaults? The presidents family has entrusted these choices to you and your teamfailure is not an option!Blasphemous 2Platform, parry, and ponder the deeper meanings of good and evil in Blasphemous 2. This Metroidvania side scroller packages exceptional retro-inspired visuals with exciting modern sensibilities in devastating fashion. This story begins after the Wounds of Eventide DLC from the original game, where The Heart announced the return of The Miracle and predicted the birth of a new and powerful child of miracles.Combat is bombastic and brutal with a wide range of new weapons to obliterate hordes of disgusting enemies. Fight with righteous zeal and unrivaled rage across multiple levels within a non-linear world. The grotesque landscapes and eerie castles ooze with gothic charm and unknown dangers. Fight with justice and strength in Blasphemous 2 today.Beneath OresaControl the field of play and dominate your opponents with style in Beneath Oresa. This fighting roguelike deckbuilder mixes strategy with stylized cellshaded visuals to deliver a dynamic experience unlike any other. As a mighty hero, choose your companion, and deck of cards to win fast-paced missions across a variety of environments where positioning is key. Line up enemies for super attacks, move to avoid their counterattacks, or position the bad guys to knock into each other for double damage! Own the arena with upgradable cards that bend to your style of play, and unique companion skills that magnify your existing techniques. Do you have what it takes to arise victorious in Beneath Oresa?Fort SolisFort Solis offers a refreshing take on the thriller genre with a story-rich narrative, stunning visuals, and all-star voice talent. Roger Clark (Arthur Morgan, Red Dead Redemption II) and Troy Baker (Joel Miller, The Last of Us) headline a stellar ensemble of memorable voice actors, enriching every scene with their gripping and realistic performances.Descend into the dark and desolate Martian mining base, Fort Solis, and search for a lost crew as protagonist Jack Leary. The narrative is structured into four chapters and is designed to be enjoyed either in one sitting or episodically. Fort Solis aims to deliver an immersive gaming experience through realistic audio logs, surveillance footage, and more. Experience the fear, excitement, and empathy of Fort Solis for yourself.Boxes: Lost FragmentsPuzzle-solving gameplay in a whole new light. Step into the shoes of a master thief on a job gone wrong in this atmospheric 3D point-and-click adventure. The mission? A seemingly simple heistget in and get out. But everything spirals out of control when you stumble upon a series of mysterious and powerful puzzle boxes.Boxes: Lost Fragments is a puzzle-centric title with stunning, unique level design that delivers some of the most perplexing and satisfying puzzles youll encounter. Will you escape this formidable mansion, or will its suffocating yet lavish walls trap you forever?DordogneWholesome games that warm your heart never go out of style, and Dordogne is one of the most charming and heartfelt around. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Dordogne, brought to life with stunning hand-painted watercolor visuals that exude charm and artistry.Reconcile your past and present as Mimi, a young adult returning to her childhood village following the passing of her grandmother. Along the way, collect photos, sounds, and scents to expand your personal journal and uncover the secrets of Mimis life. Embark on this heartwarming narrative experience today!The Pegasus ExpeditionSurvive and conquer the unknown to save humanity in The Pegasus Expedition. With Earth beyond salvation, you are tasked with leading the Zeus Link fleet on a mission to find a new home in the distant Pegasus Galaxy. This story-driven grand sci-fi adventure combines classic 4X gameplay with a compelling narrative. Manage your forces, forge alliances, advance technology, and oversee the economy while making crucial decisions as crises emerge and events unfold.Strategic planning is the key to success in The Pegasus Expedition. Engage in espionage and all-out war to battle rival factions in a galaxy that feels truly alive. The longer your expedition lasts, the greater the resistance you'll face. Take command of the fleet today and shape humanity's future!About Humble ChoiceIf you're unfamiliar with Humble Choice, this program from Humble Bundle offers a curated mix of PC games each month, delivered in the form of Steam keys. This monthly membership costs $11.99, and you can guaranteed at least $200 worth of games! You can skip or even cancel your membership at any time. Best of all, each month, 5% of your subscription will be donated to a charity. The featured charity rotates each month, with January memberships supporting Make-A-Wish!

During today's Xbox Developer Director, we saw a new trailer for South of Midnight complete with a release date of April 3, 2025 for those who purchase the premium edition, and April 8, 2025 for everyone else.South of Midnight is a third-person action-adventure game set in a fantastical version of the American Deep South. In the trailer, we saw a good look at main character Hazel's powers, which blend the traditional craft of weaving with magic to allow her to fight, conjure things, and overcome environmental obstacles. As she fights, Hazel "unravels" enemies to destroy them in action combat, and has some elements of customization in her fighting style that can help her counter different types of enemies.PlayIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250Hazel's story starts with a massive hurricane that seemingly kills her mother, but also gives her the ability to see a magic world beyond the real one that gives her hope her mother might still be alive. As she hunts for her, Hazel will visit different different regions ruled by magical creatures, each one with a different Southern Gothic history that she'll need to heal by collecting their fragmented memories. In the trailer, we got a look at several of these creatures, including a real big bird and a massive crocodile covered in spikes with giant trees going out of its back. A giant talking Catfish acts as a guide for Hazel as she awakens her new powers.South of Midnight was first announced at the Xbox Showcase in 2023 as a new game from We Happy Few developer Compulsion Games. It reappeared at the Xbox Showcase last year, and we got a hands-off look at it back in November. In an Xbox Wire post today, it's suggested the game will take between 10-12 hours to finish.You can catch up on everything shown in today's Xbox Developer Direct right here.Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

During today's Xbox Developer Direct, we got another look at upcoming Xbox RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 along with a release date of April 24, 2025.In a new trailer, we got more info on the game's story, which we're told doesn't focus on good vs. evil. Rather it focuses on a group of complicated, messy people who all are brought together to defeat that which is a threat to all of them. There's a focus on the relationship between the characters, and while it can get introspective, there are also NPCs whose stories and mechanics are somewhat lighter. PlayIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250As we've seen in past trailers, the UI and battle menus are exceptionally stylish, channeling Persona a bit in their big energy. The world itself is inspired by French art deco style, with art director Nicohlas Maxson-Francombe explaining in a recent Xbox Wire post that he wanted to avoid doing the same kinds of environments he's seen a million times before. "I just wanted to get out of the stuff that weve just seen a million times, science fiction, to space, or zombies, all that kind of stuff. I just wanted to get my head out of there and see what I can try to come up with that was original for me personally."And we also got a look at unique character mechanics and customization via skill tree in the trailer, and what seems to be a massive colletion of possible equippable passive effects. There are far more details in the same Xbox Wire post about the combat system and some of the characters' specific moves.It was also revealed that Clair Obscur will follow in the steps of old-school RPGs and have an actual, navigable world map from which you can access various areas and towns. The world map will also include secrets and even hidden bosses.PlayClair Obscur was first announced last summer at the Xbox Games Showcase from Montpellier-based Sandfall Interactive and came as a complete surprise to most. It takes place in a world where an entity known as the Paintress "repaints" the world each year, during which time she also paints a cursed number on a monolith that causes everyone of that age and older to turn to smoke instantly and disappear. Every year, that number ticks down by one, with younger and younger generations dying each time. With the number "33" up next, a group of individuals led by a man named Gustave sets out to try and stop the Paintress once and for all in a turn-based RPG with incredibly stylish battles and real-time elements.You can catch up on everything shown in today's Xbox Developer Direct right here.Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Warner Bros. Games boss David Haddad is set to leave the company, according to a new report.Variety said Haddad will leave his role as president of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment after 12 years of leading Warner Bros. Games.The company has had a troubled 12 months, first with the catastrophic release of Rocksteadys Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, then the disappointing release of Smash Bros.-style brawler MultiVersus.Warner Bros. Discovery has said Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leagues failure contributed to a $200 million hit to its business, and MultiVersus added another $100 million on top. Warner Bros. Games' only new game release during the third quarter of 2024 was Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, which failed to make an impression.Speaking in a financial call, Warner Bros. Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav said: "We recognise [the games business] is substantially underperforming its potential right now.Since then, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League post-launch content has come to an end with the delivery of its year one roadmap. Warner Bros. has yet to announce Rocksteadys next game, but it is reportedly helping out on a directors cut of Hogwarts Legacy. The legendary British studio has suffered a number of layoffs in recent months.There are also question marks over Mortal Kombat 1s financial performance, although NetherRealm chief Ed Boon recently announced over five million sales and teased future DLC following the release of the T-1000 Terminator guest character.During the same financial call, Zaslav said Warner Bros. was doubling down on four games: Hogwarts Legacy (a sequel is already in the works), Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, and DC, "in particular Batman." Warner Bros. recently published VR game Batman: Arkham Shadow exclusively on the Meta Quest 3, and has a Wonder Woman game in the works at Monolith Productions."We are focusing our development efforts on those core franchises, with proven studios to improve our success ratio," Zaslav added.According to Variety, Haddad will stay on with Warner Bros. discovery for the next three months as the company looks for his replacement during an apparent quieter release schedule.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

The Oscars 2025 nominations are here, and the internet is having its say on all the varioius snubs.Luca Guadagnino's Challengers, for example, failed to net a single nod, prompting fans to serve up a loud reaction online.Shortly after the 2025 Oscar nominations were unveiled, Challengers started trending on X/Twitter as fans of the Zendaya-led sports drama shared their dismay over the movie being shut out by the Academy. People expressed their surprise, with most of the confusion spiralling from the films score not getting the recognition so many felt it deserved, labelling the snub as ridiculous and a mistake.Challengers has received numerous accolades during the current awards season, including four nominations at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, where it ultimately took home the trophy for Best Original Score. The movie appeared in the music category alongside Conclave, The Brutalist, The Wild Robot, Emilia Prez, and Dune: Part Two, which, bar Denis Villeneuves Dune sequel, all earned nominations in the same category at the Oscars.Zendaya stars in Challengers as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy-turned-coach who gets entangled with her husband and ex-boyfriend both on and off the court. The tennis tale was widely beloved by film fans and critics, including our own. It emerged as one of IGNs best-reviewed movies at the end of 2024, with Siddhant Adlakha, in his review, calling the love-triangle-drama one of the sexiest and most electric of its genre coming out of last year.Its high praise wasnt enough to earn it an Oscar nomination, but it wasnt the only snub on the lineup for the 97th Academy Awards. Dune: Part 2 received a nod for Best Picture, but there was no shoutout for the director in his respective category.Stanley Tucci also missed out on a Supporting Actor nomination for his role in Conclave, while Angelina Jolie got snubbed in Best Actress for playing opera singer Maria Callas in Maria. Selena Gomez also missed out on an expected nod in the Best Supporting Actress category for her work in Emilia Prez.Other major films that missed out entirely include Blitz, Longlegs, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.There will likely be even more surprises in store when the Oscars commence on March 2, 2025, so stay tuned to IGN for the latest.Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter @A_AnkersRange.

The 2025 Oscar nominations for the 97th Academy Awards have been announced, and Emilia Prez is leading the pack this year with 13 nods the most earned by a film not in the English language.Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang unveiled the nominations on January 23 in a live presentation on the Oscars YouTube channel. Jacques Audiards Spanish crime thriller Emilia Prez featured in multiple categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Lead Actress, which Karla Sofa Gascn is up for.Wicked and The Brutalist followed closely behind with 10 nods apiece, while Conclave and A Complete Unknown each scored eight nominations.Oscars 2025 NominationsBest PictureAnoraThe BrutalistA Complete UnknownConclaveDune: Part TwoEmilia PrezIm Still HereNickel BoysThe SubstanceWickedBest DirectorSean Baker (Anora)Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)Jacques Audiard (Emilia Prez)Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)Actor in a Leading RoleAdrien Brody (The Brutalist)Timothe Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)Actress in a Leading RoleCynthia Erivo (Wicked)Karla Sofa Gascn (Emilia Prez)Mikey Madison (Anora)Demi Moore (The Substance)Fernanda Torres (Im Still Here)Actor in a Supporting RoleYura Borisov (Anora)Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown)Guy Pearce (The Brutalist)Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice)Actress in a Supporting RoleMonica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown)Ariana Grande (Wicked)Felicity Jones (The Brutalist)Isabella Rossellini (Conclave)Zoe Saldaa (Emilia Prez)Writing (Adapted Screenplay)A Complete UnknownConclaveEmilia PrezNickel BoysSing SingWriting (Original Screenplay)AnoraThe BrutalistA Real PainSeptember 5The SubstanceCinematographyThe BrutalistDune: Part TwoEmilia PrezMariaNosferatuAnimated Feature FilmFlowInside Out 2Memoir Of A SnailWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlThe Wild RobotMusic (Original Score)The BrutalistConclaveEmilia PrezWickedThe Wild RobotMusic (Original Song)El Mal (Emilia Prez)The Journey (The Six Triple Eight)Like A Bird (Sing Sing)Mi Camino (Emilia Prez)Never Too Late (Elton John: Never Too Late)Production DesignThe BrutalistConclaveDune: Part TwoNosferatuWickedFilm EditingAnoraThe BrutalistConclaveEmilia PrezWickedDocumentary Feature FilmBlack Box DiariesNo Other LandPorcelain WarSoundtrack To A Coup DEtatSugarcaneDocumentary Short FilmDeath By NumbersI Am Ready, WardenIncidentInstruments Of A Beating HeartThe Only Girl In The OrchestraInternational Feature FilmIm Still Here (Brazil)The Girl With The Needle (Denmark)Emilia Prez (France)The Seed Of The Sacred Fig (Germany)Flow (Latvia)Makeup and HairstylingA Different ManEmilia PrezNosferatuThe SubstanceWickedVisual EffectsAlien: RomulusBetter ManDune: Part TwoKingdom Of The Planet Of The ApesWickedCostume DesignA Complete UnknownConclaveGladiator IINosferatuWickedAnimated Short FilmBeautiful MenIn The Shadow Of The CypressMagic CandiesWander To WonderYuck!Live-Action Short FilmA LienAnujaIm Not A RobotThe Last RangerThe Man Who Could Not Remain SilentSoundA Complete UnknownDune: Part TwoEmilia PrezWickedThe Wild RobotAnd thats a wrap! The 97th Academy Awards are set for Sunday March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC in the U.S., ITV in the UK, and over 200 other territories worldwide. In addition, and for the first time ever, the show will also be streamed live on Hulu.Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images.Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter @A_AnkersRange.

The first season of the HBO show The Last of Us is arguably the best video game adaptation ever made. It's great, and it (mostly) sticks to the story originally laid out in the 2013 Naughty Dog game for PS3. With The Last of Us season two beginning to air in April on Max, the first season is getting an awesome limited-edition steelbook release so you can catch up to where the show left off. Its available for preorder now, with a release date of March 18. Read on to see what comes with it.Preorder The Last of Us: The Complete First Season (4K UHD Steelbook)Out March 18The Last of Us: The Complete First Season (4K UHD)Limited-edition collectible steelbook.For anyone who hasnt seen this first season, it basically covers everything that happened in the first game and the Left Behind expansion, plus some extra world-building story lines that add to the overall effect. The scripts for the first season were all written by showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (Druckmann was a writer and creative director for both The Last of Us video games). In the Max show, Pedro Pascal takes the role of Joel Miller, while Bella Ramsey plays Ellie. Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson (who played Joel and Ellie, respectively, in the games) have parts in the show as well. It follows the same basic story as the first game, with Joel escorting Ellie on a cross-country trip through a fungal-zombie-infested America, where Ellie will play a key role in potentially saving the world from the outbreak.The Last of Us is one of my personal favorite video game series, and I think the show does justice to the exceptional story. You can check out our The Last of Us season one review for more details.Special Features and Bonus ContentIncluded in The Last of Us: The Complete First Season Limited-Edition Collectible Steelbook bundle is over two hours of bonus content. Heres what you get:Controllers Down: Adapting The Last of Us, From Levels to Live ActionThe Last of Us: Stranger than FictionIf the show left you with an appetite to play the games, you can pick up The Last of Us: Part I on PS5 or PC. The Last of Us: Part II Remastered is also available on PS5 and is coming to PC on April 3. Sony has also released some pretty rad Joel and Ellie action figures, if that's your thing. And for those looking forward to the second season of the show, you can check out 5 details in the season two trailer.Chris Reed is a deals expert and commerce editor for IGN. You can follow him on Bluesky @chrislreed.com.

Of all of the things connected to your PC, your mouse would be the last thing you'd expect to set itself alight. But that was the reality redditor lommelinn faced after they reportedly found their gaming mouse alight on their desk while their PC was in sleep mode and it almost burned down their apartment.Posting to reddit, Iommelinn claimed: I smelled smoke early this morning, so I rushed into my room and found my computer mouse burning with large flames. Black smoke filled the room. I quickly extinguished the fire, but exhaled a lot of smoke in the process and my room is in a bad shape now, covered with black particles (my modular synth as well). Fortunately, we avoided the worst, but the fact that this can happen is still shocking. It's an older wired, optical mouse from Gigabyte.The mouse in question is a Gigabyte M6880X, an older wired mouse that seems like a completely normal wired gaming mouse. With no battery inside and running via USB 2.0, which only pulls in 5V of power at 0.5A, the Gigabyte M6880X's alleged catastrophic failure has certainly raised eyebrows.In images posted by the user, the mouse itself appears to have had its top rear panel completely melted away, with the underside of the mouse managing to escape from much damage. The reasons behind why only the top casing of the mouse was damaged is also a mystery. In additional imagery, the damage to the users desk is also present, with a melted portion of the desk and mousepad in sight.Gigabyte officially responded to Iommelinns claim in a comment within the reddit thread, confirming it had launched an investigation:Hi Everyone,"We have been made aware of the incident shared by lommelin regarding the M6880X gaming mice. Our customer's safety is our top priority and we are actively looking into this case. Our team has reached out to lommelin to offer support and to investigate the matter fully. In the meantime, we appreciate the communitys understanding and patience as we work to address this issue."Best,"The GIGABYTE Team.In a subsequent reddit post, lommelinn expressed their disbelief at the surprising series of events. "My PC was in sleep mode," they explained. "Since then, I checked the USB port with a voltage meter and it's fine. No clue how this can happen."Image credit: Iommelinn / reddit.Sayem is a freelancer based in the UK, covering tech & hardware. You can get in touch with him at @sayem.zone on Bluesky.

Square Enix has now completed the story of the third and final part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy.Speaking to Famitsu and translated by Eurogamer, Final Fantasy series producer Yoshinori Kitase and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi said development on the highly anticipated conclusion is progressing smoothly."I'm very satisfied with [the story], so I'm sure fans will be satisfied with the final chapter," Kitase said, adding that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth creative director Tetsuya Nomura gave him "homework" to ensure this was the case.The story of Part 3, which currently lacks an official name or release window, was required to have a respect for the original Final Fantasy 7 alongside a new level of satisfaction not felt in that game, Kitase said.I'm very satisfied with [the story], so I'm sure fans will be satisfied with the final chapter.Square Enix announced its plans to release Final Fantasy 7 Remake as a trilogy in June 2022, following the release of the first game which had fans questioning if the entire story would need a dozen parts to be told properly. This is because Final Fantasy Remake itself only adapted the opening few hours of the original game, up to the point where the party leaves Midgar.Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth expanded the scope significantly, however, introducing the open world and thus covering myriad locations such as Costa del Sol, the Golden Saucer, and many more, including some new ones.It brought the overall story up to the end of Disc 1 of the original Final Fantasy 7, which closes in both games with what's arguably the most iconic moment in video game history.Part 3 will pick up immediately after this, though very little is known about it so far. Development began in June 2022 but Square Enix hasn't said when it will end, only vaguely noting it hopes to release Part 3 by 2027.Every Gold Saucer Date (1997 vs. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth)IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250Something it has said, however, is that it "will not cheat" when it comes to the Highwind airship. This allowed the party to quickly move around the map in the original game but, now in the world of fast travel, many fans wondered how the iconic ship could be implemented."We will not cheat with the airship system [in Part 3] but take the challenge head on so it can freely fly all over the game map," Hamaguchi said in November.In our 9/10 review of the last game, IGN said: "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth impressively builds off of what Remake set in motion, both as a best-in-class action role playing game full of exciting challenges and an awe inspiring recreation of a world that has meant so much to so many for so long."Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

EAs Origin App was introduced in 2011 so you could browse and purchase EAs PC games on its digital storefront instead of Steam. The most notable launch from this time was a strict Origin requirement for Mass Effect 3 in 2012. However, it never really seemed to take off.Due to clunky UX and frustrating login processes, many PC gamers chose to outright avoid using Origin as much as possible. Despite this, EA persisted, but has now finally decided to outright replace Origin with the equally clunky EA app.This comes along with several caveats. Own Titanfall on Origin but cant access your account? Too bad, if you dont make a formal account switch from Origin to EA, youll lose access to the games youve paid for.Along the way, anyone running a 32-bit system will also be left behind, as the EA app supports 64-bit OS only. To be fair to EA, Steam itself also dropped support for 32-bit operating systems in early 2024, with a scant few users on 32-bit systems remaining. Its extremely unlikely that anyone who has purchased a new PC or laptop, or assembled a custom gaming PC in the last five years will be running on a 32-bit OS. However, Microsoft did sell 32-bit versions of Windows 10 up to 2020. If youre on Windows 11, theres no sweat. 64-bit support was first introduced in Windows Vistas release almost 20 years ago.A quick way to check is to see how much RAM your system is running. A 32-bit OS can only use a maximum of 4GB of RAM, so if youve got more than that in your system, youve likely got nothing to worry about. However, if youve accidentally installed a 32-bit version of Windows, youll have to wipe your entire system and reinstall a 64-bit version of the OS.While support being dropped for 32-bit systems isnt too surprising in 2024, it calls into question the nature of digital ownership. Its no fun losing access to a library of games that youve owned for years due to hardware changes. Steam isnt free from this either, as Valve has also dropped 32-bit support, leaving players who cant upgrade to modern systems high and dry.Invasive digital DRM solutions like Denuvo are also becoming increasingly commonplace in PC games, since some elements require deep kernel-level access to your PC, or have arbitrary installation limits, despite your purchase.One way of preserving a legitimately purchased digital library is to support GOG, run by CD Projekt. The DRM-free nature of every game listed on the store means that once you download a title, youll be able to run it and own it on whatever hardware the title supports, forever.However, the window this opens up for developers is the possibility of software piracy. But, thats not stopped new titles from being released on the platform, with the upcoming RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 coming soon to GOG.Sayem is a freelancer based in the UK, covering tech & hardware. You can get in touch with him at @sayem.zone on Bluesky.

CD Projekt has announced that patch 2.21 for Cyberpunk 2077 is rolling out to players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. The brunt of the changes are largely fixes for photo mode, as well as DLSS 4 support for PC players.While patch 2.2 added a much deeper look at customization in photo mode, 2.21 adds heaps of fixes for the mode. One of the most notable is the ability to finally save characters and Vs rotation and position within your Photo Mode presets.There are also fixes present for texture and color inconsistencies for vehicles that have CrystalCoat applied, in addition to several other menu fixes for the vehicle customization system added in patch 2.11.For those looking at creating a character in future runs, you can now also preserve randomizer settings within the character creator after further customization of character attributes.There are also a handful of changes to allow Johnny Silverhand to appear more in the passenger seat of your car if youre ever feeling lonely while driving along the streets of Dogtown. Patch 2.2 originally sought to resolve this by having Johnny sitting shotgun around 25% of the time, which didnt happen. The inverse also occurred, where Johnny could appear duplicated in the passenger seat in quests where he is set to appear during a scripted event. The new patch will solve any ghostly duplications of Silverhand, and have him spend more time with V in a car this time around.Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.1IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250Most notably, the game has also added DLSS 4 support for PC players, as well as Multi Frame Generation for RTX 50-series GPUs. This tool will now allow players to boost their FPS by up to three times per traditionally rendered frame, so long as you have the new GPUs to run it. RTX 40-series users can also enjoy faster single frame generation with reduced memory usage." All Nvidia RTX GPU owners can also choose between the traditional CNN model in DLSS features to the new Transformer model, which CD Projekt claimed can enhance stability, lighting, and detail in motion." RTX users can also enjoy enhanced Ray Reconstruction, with fewer artifacts and smudging in patch 2.21. CD Projekt has not announced whether or not this might be a final update to Cyberpunk 2077, as the company transitions to full development on The Witcher 4.Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.21 patch notes:Patch 2.21 for Cyberpunk 2077 is being rolled out on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S!This update adds support for DLSS 4 on PC and introduces various fixes, notably to SmartFrames on Xbox and Photo Mode across all platforms. For details, check the full list of changes below:Photo ModeNibbles and Adam Smasher can now be spawned while V is in the air or in water.Fixed the Facial Expression option for Adam Smasher.Fixed an issue where Adam Smasher's glowing chest cyberware was missing.Fixed an issue where, if Johnny's Alternate Appearance was enabled, both options to spawn him (default and alternate) resulted in the alternate look.Characters spawned while V is in the air or in water will no longer snap to the ground.Characters will now be properly saved in presets.Spawned characters will now be visible after adding a background.V's rotation and position will now be properly saved in presets.Fixed an issue where adjusting the Up/Down slider for V wouldn't change their position between certain values.NPCs that turn invisible after disabling the Surrounding NPCs option will no longer have collision.Fixed an issue where loading a preset could cause additional light sources to appear even when disabled, or spawn them in incorrect positions.Fixed an issue where the camera could get stuck on walls after setting Full Collision to ON.Fixed an issue where camera settings would only apply after loading a saved preset twice.Enabling a background will no longer change camera position.Rotating the camera will now work properly with a background enabled.Fixed an issue where the prompts for Move Camera and Rotate Camera would appear when the camera cannot be moved (e.g. when using the First-Person Perspective camera).Fixed an issue where it wasn't possible to move the camera after spawning a character while highlighting the Edit Character option.Disabling Chromatic Aberration in the Graphics settings will no longer affect the ability to adjust it.Fixed an issue where some items in scenes disappeared after setting the Surrounding NPCs option to OFF.Fixed an issue where enabling PhysX Cloth would unfreeze NCPD vehicles.The rule of thirds grid will now properly adapt to the selected aspect ratio.Fixed an issue where the image in a SmartFrame wouldn't be visible if accessed while V was not facing it.Fixed an issue where opening Photo Mode simultaneously with Wardrobe or Stash caused the game to become unresponsive.Fixed an issue where it was possible to access Photo Mode before a save file fully loaded, causing it to open without UI and block any further action.Fixed other minor Photo Mode issues related to spawned characters, camera movement, controls, and more.Fixed various UI issues in Photo Mode, SmartFrames and Gallery menus, including slider inconsistencies, localization errors, missing sound effects, incorrect behavior when interacting with certain features, and more.Vehicle Color CustomizationFixed several texture and color inconsistencies for vehicles that have CrystalCoat applied.Fixed an issue where the explanation of the spray paint icon was missing in the Autofixer tutorial pop-up after a vehicle contract was completed.Fixed several minor UI issues in the CrystalCoat and TwinTone menus.Character CreationRandomizer settings in Character Creation will now be preserved after advancing to the Customize Attributes step.Fixed an issue where the Piercing Color option would not be available in Character Creation after enabling piercings if V initially had none.Fixed other minor issues in Character Creation, including appearance options not applying correctly, visual clipping, inconsistent UI behavior, functionality issues after using the randomizer, and more.MiscellaneousRun This Town - Fixed an issue where, under certain circumstances, it wasn't possible to deactivate the Aguilar imprint after meeting with Bennett.Fixed several instances where Johnny could appear duplicated in the passenger seat during some quests when he was already present in the scene.Fixed an issue where Johnny did not appear as a passenger often enough.Introduced several fixes to NPC and vehicle behavior for various small events throughout Night City.Fixed an issue where some vendors were not interactable as intended.Fixed an issue where voiceovers on TV news channels could be missing or too quiet.Fixed an issue where the Quadra Turbo-R V-Tech used a description of Quadra Turbo-R 740 instead of its own unique one.Fixed the missing 2.2 "check what's new" pop-up in the main menu.Console-specificFixed an issue where screenshots appeared as blank in the Gallery on Xbox if they were taken with HDR10 enabled.Added a pop-up in the Gallery to notify players when access to screenshots is blocked by the console's privacy settings on Xbox.Screenshots deleted on Xbox outside the Gallery UI will now be correctly marked in the Gallery and will disappear from occupied slots after reopening the Gallery.Fixed an issue where the Graphics Mode on Xbox Series S could be set to Quality instead of Performance by default.PC-specificAdded support for DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation for GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards, which boosts FPS by using AI to generate up to three times per traditionally rendered frame enabled with GeForce RTX 50 Series on January 30th. DLSS 4 also introduces faster single Frame Generation with reduced memory usage for RTX 50 and 40 Series. Additionally, you can now choose between the CNN model or the new Transformer model for DLSS Ray Reconstruction, DLSS Super Resolution, and DLAA on all GeForce RTX graphics cards today. The new Transformer model enhances stability, lighting, and detail in motion.Fixed artifacts and smudging on in-game screens when using DLSS Ray Reconstruction.The Frame Generation field in Graphics settings will now properly reset after switching Resolution Scaling to OFF.Sayem is a freelancer based in the UK, covering tech & hardware. You can get in touch with him at @sayem.zone on Bluesky.

The greatest strength of CBS new medical drama Watson is its potential for audacity. This is a show built for big, wild swings that either knock the ball clear out of the park or whiff so bad that everyone ends up in the hospital whatever happens, it should be fun to watch. (And in the event of that mass hospitalization: Sounds like the seeds of a great episode of Watson.) Unfortunately, the series first five episodes are occasionally modest with their exam-room conundrums, and they come close to wasting both an excessively creative premise and a steady leading performance from Morris Chestnut. Because Watson isnt just a new CBS medical drama, its also yet another modern revival of Arthur Conan Doyles Sherlock Holmes universe that also happens to be a medical drama. And a mystery show. And a light thriller about the machinations of an evil villain. And sometimes a commentary on Americas healthcare system. And sometimes its about how high-functioning addicts can gaslight the people around them.But perhaps most audacious of all is the fact that this has been done before, for eight whole seasons on Foxs House. There are some very crucial differences between Watson and House, though, including the tone of both shows (mirroring its title character, House tended to be gritty and dark, while Watson is overtly optimistic), but the most explicit difference is that Houses Holmes influences were just that: Influences. Watson, on the other hand, straight-up takes place in a world where Chestnuts Dr. John Watson went on a bunch of adventures with renowned detective Sherlock Holmes in London. He then returned to the United States to open a clinic after Holmes apparent death at the hands of the evil Professor Moriarty, which, as depicted in Doyles The Final Problem and Guy Ritchies Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows, involved the Reichenbach Falls.This all works best when the backstory is integral to whats happening onscreen and isnt just color, like when it factors into the overarching plot or when Watson imparts some Holmesian lesson. But, at the same time, it is kind of fun to watch run-of-the-mill doctor stuff going on while thinking Sherlock Holmes existed in this world or the guy doing this medical examination presumably met versions of Inspector Lestrade, Woman-with-a-capital-W Irene Adler, and the famously lazy Mycroft Holmes.Thats where the audacity comes in: Watson just works so hard to be interesting. There have been decades of medical dramas on TV that didnt have to jump through this many conceptual hoops, but theyve rendered the genre pretty dull and formulaic. Watsons gimmick doesnt go as hard as it should or could, but its a better gimmick than youll find in most of its peers especially since so many are simply What if there were a doctor who just cared a whole lot?Watson GalleryTheres a fascinating potential for silliness in Watson, and its early goings contain at least one stand-out moment that might make you leap out of your chair at how impressively deranged it is. While those moments are too few and far between, it does at least always feel like one could pop up out of nowhere and make an episode a whole lot more fun than it was before.The struggle of Watson is in those moments in between. When its just a straightforward doctor show with an emphasis on weird genetic mysteries (Watsons speciality, apparently), it meets the bare minimum of being compelling, watchable television. This type of thing is popular for a reason, since it presents a dangerous situation and then makes you feel for the person in that situation and then everything works out in the end. The average episode of Watson follows that arc to a T. Thankfully, Morris Chestnuts casual magnetism makes the more generic material a little more appealing. Hes a great leading man, as his years on television would attest, and he does bring a sense of playful joy to the role that feels consistent with how Dr. John Watson is often portrayed in the typical Sherlock Holmes story. If he enjoys puzzling out a patients ailment so much, it makes sense that hed throw his old life away so he could hang around with an acerbic English detective (and would then be devastated by that mans death).Watson just works so hard to be interesting.Less successful is virtually everyone else around him. Watson has (for lack of a better term) a House-style team of younger physicians (Eve Harlow, Peter Mark Kendall in a dual role, and Inga Schlingmann) who do most of the medical work, and each one is explicitly a gimmick unto themselves. Its clever that those gimmicks are actually part of the plot and that everyone is aware they are a gimmick, but its clear that some of the characters were designed to carry storylines themselves and others are just there for the quirks of their personalities or backstories. Ritchie Coster also appears as classic Holmes side character Shinwell Johnson, who often feels like he was added to Watson at the last minute to deliver clearer exposition about the larger Holmes-y mythology of it all.But theres still that potential for silliness. There always seems to be a chance that Watson will pull the trigger on a ridiculous plot twist or a show-shaking reveal, and then the less-exciting parts will suddenly become Worth It. And if that doesnt happen in a given episode well, it might happen in the next one. Thats the weird trick of Watson: Its not always great, and its not always fun, but when it is fun, it makes you want to stick around.

In the nearly 40 years since the one-two punch of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and Star Trek: The Next Generation ignited my enthusiasm for Gene Roddenberrys sci-fi juggernaut, Ive seen the franchise through highs (the Dominion War arc on Deep Space Nine, the movie First Contact, the ongoing Paramount+ series Strange New Worlds) and lows (the VoyagerEnterprisePicards first season). But with it all, theres a phrase Ive never said in reaction to any film or show under the TrekStar TrekInitially conceived as a spin-off series for Michelle Yeohs Star Trek: Discovery character, Terran Emperor-turned-undercover-Federation-do-gooder Philippa Georgiou, Section 31 arrives on Paramount+ as 100 minutes of generic schlock containing only trace elements of Star Trek. If you were to scrub the tricorder sound effects from the mix, brush out an occasional Delta shield, and cut out its titular black-ops organizations connection to Starfleet, youd just think, gee, this chintzy Syfy movie sure knows to copy from The Hunger Games and Guardians of the GalaxyX-MenThe Fifth Element) but doesnt know a damn thing about being original. Or engaging.Though it would still be boring, Section 31 might actually be better if you come to it with no knowledge of Star TrekIll try to lay out the premise as quickly as possible, though Section 31s boiled-down form doesnt make that the easiest task. After flashing back to Philippas bloody ascendance to the throne of what we used to call the Mirror Universe, we find where she landed after peacing out from Section 31 in Discoverys third season: outside of Federation space, running a cosmic Ricks Caf Amricain where the main attraction seems to be low lighting and music that sounds like it was produced in 2024. Her former, secretive outfit has been reimagined as an Impossible Mission Force or Charlies Angels with Yeohs Everything Everywhere All at Once pal Jamie Lee Curtis handing out assignments and somehow the group has tracked Georgiou down and knows that some bad guy is coming to do an illegal weapon trade at her club.Section 31 GalleryThus, a ragtag group of zany, Guardians-esque characters are dispatched to intercept and prevent this dangerous development. In addition to the cool guy leader (Omari Hardwick), theres a quippy shapeshifter (Sam Richardson, who does the best he can with this material, and comes out of Section 31 okay), an Im the Juggernaut, bitch! type mecha brute (Robert Kazinsky), a sexy Deltan (Humberly Gonzalez), and a wacky Vulcan (Sven Ruygrok) who actually is not a Vulcan, but rather a microscopic organism in a tiny spaceship inside a Vulcan-shaped Golem body. (Think Men in Black.) When his little ship moves around it looks and sounds like the flying cars from The Jetsons, which is unintentionally hilarious. Embedded with this bickering crew is an observer from Starfleet, a young woman named Rachel Garrett (Kacey Rohl), who hardcore fans know will grow to become a pre-Picard Captain of the Enterprise. Garretts presence, combined with that of a figure from Georgious past, throw the when of Section 31 into utter confusion as if Sweeny tossed the nerds a bone by giving us people we kinda recognize, but made no attempt to actually make the fit within a consistent timeline. Agonizing over this, however, is the least of anyones worries, because the rest of this movie is so dreadfully dull.Section 31 will infuriate Star Trek fans and bore everyone else.With Georgiou (who, mind you, viciously murdered thousands, including her parents and baby brother) part of the new, fun Section 31 gang, we experience some hijinks, like a phase-shield fight with the arms smuggler which was done a lot both versions) and a runaway train-style chase straight out of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,Even with the golden opportunity to play interplanetary outlaws, none of the cast (except Richardson) are anything but annoying. Blame can be spread around, though. Theres not just unoriginal writing, but totally uninspired direction. When the team all present themselves for Georgiou once shes officially been recruited, everyone stands still on their mark and barks backstory at her with an almost defiant lack of pizzazz. These lugubrious deliveries are intercut by editing that tries to add spice, but winds up disquieting and feels forced. Yeoh is chomping up every moment, which actually worked on Discovery when she was a supporting character playing off Sonequa Martin-Green or Anthony Rapp. But when shes in the center seat, her dry, haughty tone quickly becomes irritating. The great athleticism of her fight scenes aside, theres not much thats likable here.Theres a lot more fighting, a lot more chasing, and several examples in which the writing seems dictated from TikTok of three years ago. Youre a chaos goblin! the future Captain Garrett is told. I love that for us, she responds to a later prompt. Most importantly, there are none of the thought provoking elements that make Star TrekPlayThe weirdest thing is that this little cul-du-sac in the Star TrekLower DecksAs such, its best to just consider Section 31 an aberration and move on. If Ive learned anything from Starfleet, its to keep positive. Im simply dispatching a warning buoy to all other ships to avoid this area of space and warping out of here.

Best Buy just brought back a Black Friday deal and made it even better. Right now you can pick up a pretty massive 75" Samsung DU6950 Crystal 4K Smart TV for only $529.99 after a savings of $220 and get a second 43" Samsung DU6900 Crystal 4K Smart TV for free. The second TV will be automatically added to your shopping cart. This is also $20 cheaper than the deal we saw during Best Buy's 4-Day Sale over the weekend, and the bonus TV wasn't even included at the time. Here's your chance to upgrade your main TV and get a second TV for your bedroom or gaming den at a super price.Buy a 75" Samsung TV for $530 and Get a Free 43" TVBonus 43" Samsung 4K Smart TV With Purchase75" Samsung DU6950 Crystal 4K Smart TV If you want to stick with the Samsung brand and you want a big TV at an affordable price, there isn't any other TV that offers up a 75" screen size at a better price. This is a no frills TV with a native 4K resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and Samsung's Tizen smart interface. This is an entry level TVs that sits below other TV models equipped with QLEDs, Mini LEDs, or OLEDs, but costs hundreds less and still offers up great image quality in most situations.The DU6900 is a "Crystal 4K TV", which according to Samsung, means that it boasts a wider spectrum of colours via Dynamic Crystal Color technology that adds more contrast to the images. It also supports HDR, a feature that enriches the luminance, contrast and colours so you can actually see the details in the picture even in the darkest dark and the brightest bright scenes. Note that these improvements in picture quality are mostly software based, as opposed to more expensive hardware-based panel technologies.The free 43" TV that you get is from the same DU6900 series but with a smaller screen size. TVs under 45" are still commonly found at lower resolutions of 1080p or 720p, but this model sports a true 4K resolution. It also has built-in speakers and integrated smart interface, so it's ready to go out of the box with all of the bare essentials.Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

Today, I've got an eclectic gaggle of deals for you to play through over the weekend. There's a VR-y decent BYO Bundle for the headset-inclined, an Erdtree Edition for the masochists among you, and a bunch of CoDs (old and new) worth catching. Failing that, score some cut-price LEGO, because I'm obsessed with that also.In retro news, I'm celebrating the 28th birthday of Kirby Super Star, a SNES...er, super...star that we called Kirby's Fun Pak down under. The inclusion of two-player co-op was an uncommon feature in platformers of this age, so a neighbourhood pal and I were all about slowly unlocking and smashing through this eight-game omnibus at launch. In particular, we had a blast in Spring Breeze (Kirby's Dream Land abridged) and The Great Cave Offensive (a Metroidvania filled with Nintendo stablemate references). That mechanic of P1 swallowing an enemy and then vomiting out a helper minion controlled by P2? Timelessly cool.Happy Bday Kirby's Fun Pak This Day in Gaming Aussie birthdays for notable games.- Kirby Super Star (SNES) 1997. eBay- The Cave (PS3,WiiU) 2013. Get- Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 FCP (PS4) 2017. eBayTable of ContentsNice Savings for Nintendo SwitchSifuSifu demands a lot from you, and thats a sword that cuts both ways. Its combat is impeccable, with incredibly smooth and impactful animation, deep fighting mechanics, and challenging enemies that really make you fight tooth and nail. 9/10.Mortal Kombat 1 (-28%) - A$41.65The Survivalists Del. (-90%) - A$3.90Dead Cells (-50%) - A$18.75LEGO Skywalker Saga (-34%) - A$59Rune Factory 5 (-23%) - A$53.55Pac-Man Champ Ed. 2 Plus (-75%) - A$7.73Expiring Recent DealsYooka-Laylee (-80%) - A$6.50Hot Wheels Unleashed (-85%) - A$8.24Sonic X Shadow Generations (-14%) - A$69Namco Museum (-80%) - A$7.80Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.Switch Console PricesHow much to Switch it up?Switch OLED + Mario Wonder: $539 $499 | Switch Original: $499 $448 | Switch OLED Black: $539 $479 | Switch OLED White: $539 $479 | Switch Lite: $329 $299 | Switch Lite Hyrule: $339 $299See itBack to topPurchase Cheap for PCBYO Elite VR BndlPersonally, Id score Doom VFR, Wolfenstein Cyberpilot, and Fruit Ninja for $2.96 apiece instead of $69.40 total. But, hey, if you can find 7 games worth grabbing in here, you can bring that down to $2.54 per game.Ori and the Blind Forest: DE (-75%) - A$7.48Ori: The Collection (-78%) - A$15.71Doom Franchise Sale (80%)Rainbow Six Siege (-65%) - A$10.54Stellaris (-75%) - A$14.23Expiring Recent DealsHalo MC Collection (-75%) - A$14.98Total War: Three Kingdoms (-70%) - A$27.44FC 25 (-60%) - A$43.98Forza Horizon 5 (-50%) - A$44.97Halo Wars: DE (-75%) - A$7.48Manor Lords (-30%) - A$41.99Or just get a Steam Wallet CardPC Hardware PricesSlay your pile of shame.Official launch in NovSteam Deck 256GB LCD: $649 | Steam Deck 512GB OLED: $899 | Steam Deck 1TB OLED: $1,049See it at SteamBack to topExciting Bargains for XboxElden Ring Erdtree Ed.FromSoftware says Shadow of the Erdtree is the only expansion Elden Ring will get, so its fortunate that its hard to imagine a better DLC than this. 10/10, masterpiece.CoD: BLOPS 6 (-20%) - A$89Monster Hunter Wilds (-17%) - A$99Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (-19%) - A$89Avatar: FoP Del. (-60%) - A$51.98Prince of Persia TLC (-50%) - A$29.97Expiring Recent DealsSniper Elite 5 (-57%) - A$38.72Tekken 8 (-33%) - A$79.95The Crew Motorfest CG (-70%) - A$32.98Watch Dogs 2 Gold (-85%) - A$16.49The Surge (-85%) - A$3.36Or just invest in an Xbox Card.Xbox Console PricesHow many bucks for a 'Box? Series X: $799 $729 | Series S Black: $549 $545 | Series S White:$499 $471 | Series S Starter: N/ASee itBack to topPure Scores for PlayStationGran Turismo 7Mixing the original GTs trendsetting format with GT Sports stern but very successful focus on competitive online racing, Gran Turismo 7 makes a few errors but is a potent podium performance from developer Polyphony Digital.CoD: WWII (-30%) - A$35.42CoD: BLOPS 6 (-20%) - A$89Monster Hunter Wilds (-17%) - A$99Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (-19%) - A$89Space Marine 2 (-19%) - A$89Expiring Recent DealsAstro Bot (-19%) - A$89Spidey Miles Morales Ult. (-45%) - A$69The First Berserker: Khazan (-11%) - A$89Cocoon (-58%) - A$25Star Wars Outlaws (-36%) - A$69LEGO DC Super-Villains Del. (-92%) - A$8.79Persona 5 (-85%) - A$12.74Mortal Kombat XL (-88%) - A$8.39PS+ Monthly FreebiesYours to keep from Jan 7 with this subscriptionSuicide Squad: KTJL [PS5]NFS Hot Pursuit Remastered [PS4]The Stanley Parable: Ultra [PS4/5]Or purchase a PS Store Card.What you'll pay to 'Station.PS5 Slim Disc:$799 $759 | PS5 Slim Digital:679 $678 | PS VR2: $899 | PS VR2 + Horizon: $899 | PS5 Pro $1,199 | PS Portal: $329See itBack to topLegit LEGO DealsBotanicals DaffodilsDaffodils represent Spring like no other bulb. I say get some that will be plastic, fantastic, and evergreen.Expiring Recent DealsBack to top Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

There were a lot of great books that came out last year, but perhaps the biggest standout on the Amazon best sellers list for 2024 was one that didn't even release until this week. I'm talking of course, about the latest title in the Empyrean series: Onyx Storm.If you aren't familiar with those names, you may have still heard of the first book in the series called Fourth Wing. The popularity of these novels by Rebecca Yarros is largely thanks to them going viral on BookTok, which is where other romance books have gone viral in the past. Perhaps the most famous book to get picked up on that corner of TikTok was It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, which skyrocketed the series to the top of the best selling list in 2022 and eventually got turned into a movie.Why Is The Empyrean Series So Popular?Now AvailableOnyx Storm (Standard Edition)Hardcover and Kindle versions available at a discount.It's easy to point toward TikTok as the main driver of the virality of this series, but the plot and genre of the books were set up for success from the very beginning. I have read both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame and can honestly say they are hard to put down. There are elements familiar to the Harry Potter books, romance similar to the Twilight series, and dragons similar to the Inheritance Cycle. Reading these books feels familiar, and yet somehow very new.The other, perhaps more obvious reason for the popularity of this series is the very graphic descriptions of the main character's sexual encounters. What initially feels like your standard young adult novel suddenly gets really steamy really fast and never really slows down after that. It's an epic fantasy romance with dragons and sex, what more could anyone really want from a book?What Were the Other Amazon Best-Selling Books of 2024?Onyx Storm was only the second best-selling book on the 2024 list. The overall top novel on the list was The Women by Kristin Hannah which came out in February 2024 and topped The New York Time's best seller list at time as well. Here is a quick look at the top ten books that made Amazon's list in 2024.The Women - Kristin HannahOnyx Storm - Rebecca YarrosAtomic Habits - James ClearHillbilly Elegy - J.D. VanceThe Housemaid - Freida McFaddenMom, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey MasonDad, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey MasonThe Anxious Generation - Jonathan HaidtIt Ends With Us - Colleen HooverGood Energy - Casey Means M.DLooking for more top books? Check out our guide to the best-selling books of all time for popular picks over a longer period of time. If you're looking for more fantasy, we recommend our guide to the Lord of the Rings books and Game of Thrones books as a starting point.

The best high-end prebuilt PCs command premium prices, but you can still save hundred of dollars if you can get in on a great deal. Right now, Dell is offering an Alienware Aurora R16 GeForce RTX 4090 gaming PC for only $2,899.99 after a $1,000 off instant discount. This is the first time I've seen an RTX 4090 gaming PC discounted to under $3,000 in months. GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards are actually going back up in price again, and getting a standalone card will run you at least $2,000 from a legitimate vendor, which means building your own DIY PC may not be as cost effective as you'd think. Plus, you have the advantage of an all-inclusive warranty with a prebuilt PC.Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4090 Gaming PCAlienware Aurora R16 i9-14900KF RTX 4090 Gaming PCThis Alienware Aurora R16 gaming PC is equipped with an Intel Core i9-14900KF CPU, GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, 32GB of DDR5-5200MHz RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD. The 14th gen Intel Core i9-14900KF is the best Intel gaming CPU you can get right now, and it's also a productivity beast. The chip is known to run pretty hot, but fortunately it's cooled by a robust 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler. The entire system is powered by an 1,000W 80PLUS Platinum power supply.The RTX 4090 is likewise the most powerful GPU on the market. No other video card, either from NVIDIA or from AMD, comes close. In his RTX 4090 review, Chris Coke writes "The RTX 4090 may be huge and expensive, but holy smokes if it doesnt blow the competition out of the water... Until the rest of the pack can catch up, between its impressive hardware specs and its DLSS 3 AI wizardry, even the $1,599 price doesnt seem unreasonable for the unrivaled frame rates that this card can crank out." You'll be able to run any game in 4K with ultra settings and ray tracing enabled and still pump out high framerates, even the newest, most demanding titles like Black Myth: Wukong or Warhammer Space Marine 2.The 4090 is also the consumer card of choice for AI thanks to its 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM.A note on RTX 5000 series GPUsNVIDIA's newest generation of GPUs are set to be released starting the end of January. The RTX 5090 will undoubtedly be a more powerful card, but you'd have to be willing to pay a lot more money for that kind of power. Retail price is set to be $2,000 for the Founder's Edition at launch, but availability will definitely be an issue. The RTX 5080 will launch at a retail price of $999 but again there may be availability issues. We'll be sure to bench this card soon, but it will have less VRAM than the 4090 (16GB vs 24GB) and probably won't quite replace the 4090 as the dominant number two card.A note on Alienware's newest "R16" desktop chassisThe R16 is Alienware's 2024 desktop PC design. It's 40% smaller in volume compared to previous iterations. It features a simple yet proven airflow pattern; air is drawn in through the side intake vents over the GPU area and a 120mm fan at the front of the case, and exhausts by way of a 120mm rear fan and two 120mm top fans. A 240mm radiator for the all-in-one liquid cooling system is mounted to these top fans. Some configurations don't actually include the liquid cooling system, but we rarely include them in this roundup. That's because Alienware's liquid cooling solution is far superior to their stock air cooling and is easily worth the price premium. Note that Dell announced a new Area 51 chassis during CES 2025, but it looks very similar in appearance and design to the R16 chassis.Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.