Entertainment Updates: Hitman: Absolution is out now for mobile, with this contentious entry making a polished return

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.com/hitman-absolution/out-now/

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Hitman: Absolution has officially launched on iOS and Android, marking the return of one of the franchise’s most divisive yet distinctive entries. Priced at US$14.99, this polished mobile port is developed by Feral Interactive, the studio known for high-quality adaptations like Alien: Isolation and Total War: Empire.

Originally released in 2012, Hitman: Absolution took the stealth series in a different direction — replacing its signature sandbox assassinations and global missions with a more linear, action-focused story. The game follows Agent 47 as he goes rogue to protect a mysterious young girl tied to The Agency, taking on violent foes across a darker, grindhouse-style narrative. While its emphasis on gunplay over stealth drew criticism at launch, the game has since earned renewed appreciation for its cinematic presentation and focused gameplay.

Feral’s new mobile port revitalises the experience with customisable touch controls, controller and keyboard support, and auto-aim for smoother shooting. Players can also adjust performance through multiple graphics presets, ensuring it runs well on both flagship and mid-range devices. The intuitive Instinct mode helps newcomers identify targets easily, while classic disguises and stealth mechanics preserve the series’ signature feel.

This release offers both veterans and newcomers a chance to re-evaluate Absolution in its most accessible form yet. It may not be the most traditional entry in the Hitman series, but with Feral’s trademark polish and technical optimisation, the mobile version stands as a refined and portable way to experience Agent 47’s most personal mission to date.

Opinion:

Never liked this genre of games.

But I can see why some people may like it.

Entertainment Updates: Sonic Rumble set to launch this November

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.biz/sonic-rumble-set-to-launch-this-november/

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Sega’s upcoming multiplayer title, Sonic Rumble, is officially set to launch in November 2025, marking the Sonic franchise’s first-ever multiplayer game. Now open for pre-registration on both PC and mobile platforms, the 32-player battle royale pits fan-favourite characters such as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, and Dr Eggman against one another to be the last one standing.

Originally planned for release earlier this year, Sonic Rumble faced several delays — first from winter to spring, then indefinitely just a week before its May launch. According to Rovio’s head of beacon growth, Veli Kiviaho, these postponements were to ensure the game runs smoothly on mid-tier devices, having already achieved strong performance on high-end hardware.

Set in a colourful toy world created by Dr Eggman, the game features chaotic obstacle-course gameplay reminiscent of Fall Guys, with the added speed and flair of the Sonic universe. Players can join global matches either solo or in four-person squads, competing across various arenas filled with hazards and moving traps.

The latest trailer showcases expanded features, including friend-based “Crews” for timed events and team rewards, as well as new stages, modes, and dynamic abilities to obstruct opponents. Sega has also overhauled the progression system, making it easier to unlock cosmetics and character abilities while simplifying achievements for a more rewarding grind.

With its blend of fast-paced action, accessible multiplayer mechanics, and nostalgic characters, Sonic Rumble looks poised to deliver a lively and competitive twist on the iconic blue hedgehog’s world when it launches this November.

Opinion:

Looks cool.

Sonic > Mario on mobile games.

Mario > Sonic on console games.

Gaming Updates: ROG Xbox Ally X review: Finally, a proper Windows-based gaming handheld

Source:

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/entertainment/gaming/rog-xbox-ally-x-gaming-handheld-review

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ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally X marks a major refinement for Windows-based handheld gaming. Co-developed with Microsoft, it’s the first officially Xbox-branded Windows device, aiming to deliver a console-like experience while retaining full PC flexibility. Priced at S$1,299, it’s premium but arguably the most balanced Windows handheld to date.

Powered by the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip with RDNA 3.5 graphics and a dedicated NPU, the Ally X runs cooler, faster, and more efficiently than its predecessors. It comes with 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB SSD, and an 80Wh battery, offering up to 9.5 hours of office use or three hours of gaming — a huge leap in battery life. The 7-inch FHD 120Hz IPS display remains bright and responsive, trading OLED contrast for better efficiency.

Design-wise, ASUS nailed ergonomics and build quality. The handheld now feels sturdier, better balanced, and more comfortable with chunkier grips and Xbox-style controls. Cooling is quieter and smoother, while the dual USB-C ports and simplified layout improve practicality, even if the proprietary GPU dock is gone.

Performance is steady across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Zero Dawn, showing no major throttling issues. More importantly, the Xbox-first interface finally feels native — booting straight into Game Pass and Xbox Cloud titles, while still supporting Steam, Epic, and emulators.

While Windows 11 remains clunky for handheld use, ASUS and Microsoft have made major strides toward making it viable. The ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t for everyone, but for PC gamers seeking a powerful, portable, and polished Windows handheld, it’s the first one that truly gets it right.

Opinion:

Nice device.

Will work well for emulation.

The price though is tough to take. 😅

Entertainment Updates: IN FOCUS: Are PC cafes making a comeback in Singapore?

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/pc-cafes-lan-shops-esports-gaming-mobile-in-focus-5397816

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Once a staple of Singapore’s youth culture in the 2000s, PC cafes—or LAN shops—have largely disappeared, shrinking from over 100 outlets to just 15 licensed computer game centres today. Yet, they are now experiencing a quiet reinvention rather than extinction. Modern PC cafes are cleaner, more comfortable, and premium, featuring private gaming rooms, high-end equipment, and even bubble tea.

Industry veterans and new entrepreneurs are reshaping the scene. Titan Gaming, Ignite Gaming SG, and Elixir Esportshave turned traditional LAN shops into esports arenas, offering professional-grade setups, tournaments, and social experiences. For example, Elixir provides hospitality-style amenities—blankets, slippers, and drinks—while Titan and Ignite host leagues and sponsor esports teams. These operators aim to make gaming social, aspirational, and community-driven, not just a casual pastime.

Meanwhile, long-time players like Clique Gaming and Good Speed Game Cafe have diversified into board games, cuesports, and console gaming, evolving into multi-entertainment hubs. Clique now earns most of its revenue from pool and PlayStation setups, while Good Speed has transformed into a “community space” focused on human connection.

Experts note that Singapore’s scene lags behind gaming hotspots like South Korea, China, or Malaysia, where esports are nationally integrated. Still, Singapore’s rising interest in competitive gaming and government support for major esports events suggest potential for a revival.

Beyond gaming, PC cafes now serve as modern “third places”—safe, social environments where youths and even seniors can connect offline. As Redd+E’s Yip Ren Kai put it: “Devices may change, but the desire to connect, compete, and share experiences hasn’t.”

Opinion:

Lan shops experience was part of my childhood.

I think there will be a resurgence of this form of entertainment when my generation grows older.

Entertainment Updates: Apple Arcade Adding These Four Games Next Month

Source:

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/07/apple-arcade-games-coming-in-november/

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Apple announced four new games coming to Apple Arcade in early November 2025.

• Football Manager 26 Touch launches on November 4, featuring updated graphics, Premier League licensing, and women’s soccer.

• On November 6, three more titles arrive: MySims, MySims Kingdom, and Toca Boca Jr Classics.

Apple Arcade, priced at US$6.99/month in the U.S. or bundled in Apple One, offers unlimited access to hundreds of ad-free, in-app-purchase-free games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.

Gaming Updates: RidePods is the first iPhone game you control with AirPods

Source:

https://www.theverge.com/news/787396/ride-pods-race-with-head-apple-airpods-spatial-audio-motion-controls

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Developer Ali Tanis has introduced RidePods – Race with Head, the first iOS and iPadOS game controlled entirely through Apple’s AirPods. Instead of swiping the screen or tilting the phone, players steer a motorcycle through oncoming traffic by tilting their heads while wearing AirPods that support Spatial Audio, such as AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and the 3rd and 4th generation AirPods. These models use built-in gyroscopes and accelerometers to track head movements, which the game repurposes for controls.

Although Tanis reverse-engineered Spatial Audio to make the game work, Apple already allows developers access to headphone motion data for other applications, like fitness tracking. Early tests show the controls feel more natural and responsive than expected, with the bike reacting smoothly even to subtle head shifts. Players can also use just one AirPod, or turn off Automatic Head/Ear Detection to transform an earbud into a handheld motion controller for extra challenge.

Gameplay, however, remains limited. The racing occurs on a perfectly straight road, with occasional graphical glitches such as disappearing terrain. The app includes optional settings to control acceleration and braking by nodding or tilting, but these appear inconsistent. Players can switch between first- and third-person perspectives, and even record gameplay clips paired with a selfie video for sharing.

While RidePods feels more like a tech demo than a polished game, it demonstrates the potential of AirPods as motion-based controllers for mobile gaming. The concept hints at possibilities for hands-free gaming experiences far beyond racing, with the developer joking that even a head-gesture-controlled version of Solitaire could be a fun future use case.

Opinion:

Cool concept. 

Curious to see where this goes.

Imagine a Dance Dance Revolution spin-off where you just whip your head around violently. 

Gaming Updates: Pokémon Go is bringing couples together

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.com/pokemon-go/is-bringing-together-couples/

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Video games often foster connections, and Pokémon Go has leaned heavily into community-building with features like Campfire and raid RSVP systems. These efforts have not only encouraged social play but also sparked relationships. At Pokémon Go Fest Paris earlier this year, Niantic even offered couples the chance to register for special proposal experiences, including photo opportunities with mascot Pokémon such as Mimikyu. Several couples, including Dylan and Kayleigh, chose the event to mark their engagements.

Dylan and Kayleigh’s journey with the game began in 2023 while at university. Dylan introduced Pokémon Go as a fun, social distraction during a difficult period for Kayleigh, who had little prior knowledge of the franchise. Their first major event together, Slowpoke Community Day, became a cherished memory and cemented Slowpoke as Kayleigh’s favourite Pokémon. What started as casual play with friends soon grew into something deeper, with Pokémon Go becoming a central part of their relationship.

The couple has since attended multiple Pokémon Go events across Europe, from Paris to Madrid, combining travel with shared gameplay experiences. Dylan, a lifelong Pokémon fan familiar with Nintendo Switch titles and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, found in Kayleigh a partner who quickly embraced the world of Pokémon through the mobile game.

At Fest Paris, Dylan surprised Kayleigh with a proposal that incorporated their shared love of Pokémon Go. Looking ahead, they plan to include Pokémon touches in their wedding. Their story highlights how Niantic’s push for in-person community events has extended beyond gaming, helping people form lasting personal connections.

For many players, Pokémon Go is more than catching Pokémon—it’s a way to build friendships, experiences, and even lifelong partnerships.

Technology Updates: Gemini AI will help you play games on Google Play

Source:

https://www.theverge.com/news/783132/android-gaming-gemini-ai-sidekick

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Google is integrating its Gemini AI assistant into mobile gaming on the Play Store, offering players real-time help directly within their games. The new feature, called Gemini Live, will appear in a sidebar overlay that launches without leaving the game. Players can ask for hints using voice commands, and Gemini will provide spoken responses tailored to what’s happening on-screen, as the AI can “see” the game in progress.

The rollout begins with select titles over the coming months, mirroring Microsoft’s Gaming Copilot integration for Xbox and Windows 11. By embedding assistance directly into the gameplay experience, Google aims to make guidance seamless, whether players are stuck on a level or looking for strategy tips.

In addition to AI support, the sidebar will offer easy access to rewards, offers, and achievements, giving players a central hub for progress tracking. The update also coincides with Google’s broader gaming initiatives, including the general release of Google Play Games for PC, which allows more than 200,000 mobile titles to be played across platforms.

Other improvements to the Play Store include enhanced game pages that display player progress, achievements, and developer updates in one place. Google is also testing a new community Q&A feature, enabling players to ask questions about specific games directly on their store pages, with fellow gamers providing responses.

Together, these updates position the Play Store as not just a hub for downloads, but a richer ecosystem for gameplay support, cross-platform integration, and community interaction. With Gemini AI at the core, Google is signaling its commitment to making mobile and PC gaming more connected, accessible, and interactive.

Gaming Updates: Here’s everything new Apple Arcade has coming in October

Source:

https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/23/heres-everything-new-apple-arcade-has-coming-in-october/

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Apple has announced four new titles joining Apple Arcade in October 2025, further expanding its subscription gaming library. The first wave arrives on October 2, featuring three family-friendly games: Dominoes: Classic Tile Game+, Piffle+, and Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll+. These additions continue Apple’s trend of including casual and accessible titles suitable for a wide audience.

The month’s biggest highlight lands on October 16 with NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition, which debuts the new NBA Erasfeature. Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA Eras allows players to relive historic matchups beginning with the iconic rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Gamers can experience classic drafts, championships, and recreate highlight reels with legendary athletes across decades. Rebecca Chan, Visual Concepts’ general manager, described the project as an exciting opportunity to bring basketball’s storied history into the mobile gaming space.

This follows September’s additions of NFL Retro Bowl ’26 and Jeopardy! Daily, signaling Apple Arcade’s growing mix of sports and entertainment-based content. While the service was once dominated by indie games, Apple has increasingly leaned on well-known franchises and major IPs to attract broader audiences.

Apple Arcade remains available at US$6.99 per month, or as part of the Apple One bundle, and provides subscribers with access to more than 200 games free of ads and in-app purchases. The October lineup reflects Apple’s continued push to diversify its catalogue, blending classic casual games with premium sports titles that appeal to both younger audiences and long-time fans.

Gaming Updates: New Cozy Adventure Game with "Very Positive" Reviews is Free on Steam

Source:

https://gamerant.com/free-cozy-game-on-steam-the-wind-and-the-wisp/

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A new indie title, The Wind and the Wisp, has arrived on Steam as a free-to-play cozy adventure, quickly earning “Very Positive” reviews. Developed by Lil Buddy Productions, a team from the University of Southern California’s USC Games, the game combines heartfelt storytelling with a unique microphone-based mechanic, offering players a short yet emotionally rich experience.

In the game, players guide two characters—a gentle petal breeze called the Wind and a small ghostly figure known as the Wisp—through a fragile garden world. The narrative centers on friendship, grief, and healing, beginning when two best friends are separated by death. The Wisp, representing the departed friend, awakens in a mysterious realm and sets out to restore the broken gardens, symbolizing connection and belonging despite loss.

Gameplay blends 3D platforming and puzzle-solving with the innovative breathing mechanic. By blowing into a microphone, players stir the Wind to influence the Wisp’s movements, interact with flower-based mechanics, and bring life back to the garden. This design creates a deeply immersive environment, merging physical interaction with emotional resonance.

Though the game lasts around 30 minutes, it has captured attention for its originality and poignant themes. Reviewers highlight how its short runtime is balanced by meaningful storytelling that touches on love, mortality, and the afterlife, elevating it beyond a typical indie platformer.

The Wind and the Wisp adds to Steam’s growing library of student-driven indie projects, showing how smaller-scale games can deliver memorable and moving experiences. Free to download, it provides players a thoughtful, cozy escape filled with charm, creativity, and heart.

Entertainment Updates: Nintendo Confirms The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Coming April 2026 With First Teaser Trailer

Source:

https://sea.ign.com/super-mario-galaxy/232810/news/nintendo-confirms-the-super-mario-galaxy-movie-coming-april-2026-with-first-teaser-trailer

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Nintendo officially confirmed during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct that Illumination, the studio behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie, will return to produce The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The project adapts the beloved 2007 Wii platformer and will debut in U.S. theaters on April 3, 2026, followed by a Japanese release on April 24, 2026. The announcement was accompanied by a brief teaser trailer that concluded with the film’s title and logo reveal.

As expected, much of the original cast from the 2023 box office hit will reprise their roles. Chris Pratt returns as Mario, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. This continuity ensures fans will once again hear familiar voices bringing Nintendo’s iconic characters to life.

The casting also opens the door for fresh additions. Foremost among fan speculation is who will portray Rosalina, a central character introduced in the Super Mario Galaxy game but absent from the previous movie. Many viewers are eager to see how Illumination adapts her cosmic role in the story. Another mystery is Yoshi’s involvement, teased in the post-credits sequence of the prior film. Whether Mario’s loyal dinosaur companion will speak or simply appear remains unknown.

Nintendo’s decision to expand the cinematic Mario universe underscores its growing commitment to cross-media storytelling. The original film grossed over a billion dollars globally, making a sequel all but inevitable. By focusing on one of the franchise’s most critically acclaimed titles, Nintendo and Illumination are setting expectations high for fans of both the games and the first movie. With just months to go until release, anticipation for The Super Mario Galaxy Movieis already building rapidly.

Opinion:

Kids are excited about this movie.

Me too 😋

Gaming Updates: Interview: Netmarble discuss the development and launch of THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK

Source: 

https://www.pocketgamer.com/the-king-of-fighters-afk/interview/

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Netmarble has launched THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK globally on iOS and Android, offering a fresh take on the iconic fighting game franchise by turning it into an idle RPG. Unlike traditional fighting titles, this adaptation emphasizes relaxed gameplay where character growth, team synergy, and strategic deck building drive success. The shift to an AFK RPG was motivated by player feedback from previous KOF action and fighting games, which highlighted barriers caused by complex controls and skill gaps. Netmarble aimed to create a game that is accessible, engaging, and enjoyable without requiring mastery of fast-paced controls, while tapping into the rising popularity of AFK RPGs.

The game adopts a 2D pixel art style, inspired by THE KING OF FIGHTERS R-2 on the NEOGEO POCKET COLOR, chosen through internal votes for its nostalgic appeal, accessibility, and performance efficiency. The style complements the casual, friendly tone of the AFK RPG format, showcasing fighters’ personalities and dialogue more vividly than traditional combat-focused titles. The KOF IP, known for its diverse and beloved characters, aligns well with AFK mechanics, allowing players to collect, nurture, and experiment with various fighter combinations while enjoying a narrative-driven experience.

Early Access launches in Thailand, Canada, Indonesia, and the Philippines were crucial for refining gameplay. Feedback led to adjustments in combat, transforming the initially slow turn-based battles into a faster, more thrilling experience while retaining strategic depth.

The story follows a player drawn into the KOF world, joining a new tournament with five-person teams and interacting with fighters from across the series. Unlike KOF ALLSTAR, AFK offers an original narrative, with rivalries against new characters enhancing engagement.

Launch celebrations include a seven-day check-in event with rewards such as Rubies and a Legendary Fighter Summon Ticket, plus a Kyo Kusanagi Pick-Up Event and increased chances for [Fury] synergy fighters, designed to encourage active participation and character collection.

Opinion:

Interesting development.

King of Fighters should make a movie like Street Fighter.

Still waiting on the next Warcraft movie.

Gaming Updates: Today’s game consoles are historically overpriced

Source:

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/08/todays-game-consoles-are-historically-overpriced/

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Ars Technica’s analysis reveals that modern video game consoles are significantly overpriced compared to historic trends. Looking back to the Atari 2600 in 1977, most systems saw steep price cuts within a few years, often selling for less than half their inflation-adjusted launch price by year three and as little as one-third by year eight. Today’s consoles, however, resist that pattern. The Nintendo Switch, eight years old, still sells for 86% of its launch-adjusted price, while consoles like the PS5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series S remain at or above original real-dollar costs. By contrast, classic systems routinely fell below $300 in today’s dollars.

Factors behind today’s stubborn prices include pandemic-era chip shortages, lingering tariffs, higher production costs due to slowing advances in chipmaking, and inflation. Still, these don’t fully explain the break from history. Unlike earlier generations, manufacturers seem unwilling to sell at a loss to drive adoption. Systems like the PS3, Xbox One, and Wii U once received steep cuts despite initial costs, but Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo now hold firm.

The reason may be simple: the market accepts these prices. The Switch and PS5 continue to sell strongly despite lacking cuts, suggesting no incentive to lower prices. Even Microsoft, facing weak Xbox demand, hasn’t budged—focusing instead on services and Windows-based gaming hardware.

Ultimately, consumers are paying hundreds more than history suggests they should. Unless sales falter, the traditional cycle of rapid console price reductions appears to be a relic of the past, replaced by pricing strategies that keep consoles expensive for far longer.

Opinion:

Interesting.

Never knew the prices were elevated by so much.

Gaming Updates : Ragnarok M: Classic Global unveils worldwide release date for next month

Source : 

https://www.pocketgamer.com/ragnarok-m-classic/unveils-worldwide-release-date/

ChatGPT : 

Ragnarok M: Classic Global will launch worldwide on September 2 for iOS, Android, and PC. Unlike the original, this remastered version is fully free-to-play, with an economy based only on currency earned through gameplay. It brings back iconic jobs, maps, and monsters from the classic Ragnarok M, while supporting cross-platform play. Designed to be more player-friendly, it offers both nostalgia for longtime fans and accessibility for newcomers to the franchise.

Opinion : 

Never played this game much.

But have seen it many times during younger days.

Always remember side by side with Maplestory.

Gaming Updates : Remember the game MapleStory? It's being kept alive by these millennials 20 years on

Source :

https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/living/maplestory-mmorpg-game-millennial-fans-469846

ChatGPT : 

MapleStory, the South Korean MMORPG, marked its 20th anniversary with a pop-up at Suntec City that drew 10,000 attendees, mainly millennials who grew up with the game. Though no longer at its peak, it still attracts around 200,000 monthly global players and 20,000 in Southeast Asia. Fans queued overnight for merch, reflecting a shift from heavy in-game spending to collecting physical items. Players, some of whom have played since childhood, cited nostalgia, friendships, and constant updates as reasons for staying loyal. Millennial spending and fandom continue to sustain the game’s longevity.

Opinion : 

Great that this game is surviving till today.

Hopefully, World of Warcraft survives till my retirement comes 😉

Nostalgia of retro games are intense.

Gaming Updates : The Mac Is Never Going to Win Over Gamers, and Apple Shouldn’t Try

Source : 

https://www.howtogeek.com/the-mac-is-never-going-to-win-over-gamers-and-apple-shouldnt-try/

ChatGPT : 

The article argues that Macs will never truly win over gamers, and Apple shouldn’t try. While Apple’s M-series chips, Metal API, and support for AAA titles like Resident Evil 4 and Death Stranding show progress, Macs can’t match high-end gaming PCs with customizable hardware, top GPUs, and esports-level performance. Alternatives like CrossOver, cloud gaming, and emulators expand Mac gaming options, but mostly for casual play. For most users, gaming on a Mac is a bonus, not a selling point. Apple is wise to treat it as an extra perk while focusing on its core strengths.

Opinion : 

Nice article.

Mac is great for casual play.

Don't think it can be used in competitive e-sports anytime soon.

Gaming Updates : Apple Arcade adds NFL Retro Bowl ’26 and Jeopardy! Daily

Source : 

https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-arcade-adds-nfl-retro-bowl-26

ChatGPT : 

Apple Arcade is adding major titles in September, including the exclusive NFL Retro Bowl ’26 and Jeopardy! Daily on Sept 4. NFL Retro Bowl ’26 offers official NFL rosters, retro graphics, and a live Championship Leaderboard tied to the real 2025 season. Jeopardy! Daily delivers authentic clues, daily boards, tournaments, and global leaderboards. On Sept 18, Hello Kitty Island Adventure adds Wheatflour Wonderland with new quests and characters. Other additions include My Talking Tom Friends+, plus big updates to Disney Dreamlight Valley and Mini Motorways. The service costs $6.99/month with 200+ ad-free games.

Opinion : 

New games are not exciting? 😏

Updates are nice.

Still subscribed to the service. My children like it.

Gaming Updates : Why I Want More Mobile Games to Come to Consoles

Source : 

https://www.howtogeek.com/why-i-want-more-mobile-games-to-come-to-consoles/

ChatGPT : 

The article argues that many high-quality mobile games deserve console ports to improve accessibility, preservation, and player experience. While some console games get mobile adaptations, the reverse is rare, leaving many mobile titles trapped on app stores until they're delisted or shut down. Touch controls, hardware limitations, and storage issues make complex mobile games less enjoyable than on consoles with controllers and large screens. Examples like Genshin Impact, Fantasian: Neo Dimension, and Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition show that console ports can expand audiences and save games from disappearing. The author urges developers to overcome the stigma against mobile games and bring more of them to consoles.

Opinion : 

Console games are so much pricier than mobile games.

Agree with article that mobile games cannot survive without porting to consoles though.

Gaming Updates : iOS 26: Here's What You Can Do With Apple's New Games Ap

Source : 

https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-games-app/

ChatGPT : 

Apple’s new Games app in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe expands the gaming experience by turning the Games tab in the App Store into a full-featured app. Key features include:

- Home Tab: Personalized game suggestions, “Continue Playing,” friend activities, and curated lists like top played games and new releases.

- Events: Showcases limited-time gameplay events and updates.

- Apple Arcade Tab: Dedicated section promoting the $6.99/month Apple Arcade subscription with recommendations.

- Library Tab: Unified library of all games played across devices, showing achievements and quick access to content.

- Play Together Tab: Social hub for multiplayer games, friend lists, and a new Challenges feature for asynchronous competitive gameplay.

- Game Center Integration: More visible with achievements, friend invites, and real-time leaderboards.

- Game Mode: Overlay in Control Center offering quick access to leaderboards, invites, and game settings without leaving the game.

- Multiplayer: Easy invites with Party Codes and links, requiring all players to be on iOS 26+.

- Search & Profile: Improved game discovery and social interaction tools.

The app enhances social gaming on Apple devices but does not support cross-platform play with Android or other systems.

Opinion : 

I think it's a good time for a refreshed gaming app.

Missed the Game Center app days.

Gaming Updates : 8BitDo’s Pro 3 is a super customizable controller that’s too limited on Switch 2

Source : 

https://www.theverge.com/reviews/755307/8bitdo-pro-3-controller-review-pc-nintendo-switch-2

ChatGPT : 

The 8BitDo Pro 3 ($69.99) is a highly customizable, comfortable controller with swappable face buttons, joystick caps, adjustable triggers, macro buttons, and improved TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers. It works across many platforms via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz and includes a charging dock. While excellent for PC and multi-platform use, it’s limited on Switch 2—its rumble feels imprecise, and it can’t wake the console. It’s a worthwhile upgrade from the Pro 2 for most users, but Switch 2 players may prefer the official Pro controller.

Opinion : 

I've 3 x 8BitDo Pro 2 controllers. They work well with my iMac, Macbook and iPads.

This brand is good and can be made with purchases via Shopee, Lazada.