Happy Pokkén day! There’s something incredibly endearing about a Pikachu wearing a luchador outfit, don’t you agree? Who will you be choosing to enter the ring with you in Pokkén Tournament? As much as I like the aforementioned electrify-type, I’ll be sticking to Gengar, because there’s nothing more badass than a ghost type that never stops smiling. That said, we’ve got some business to attend to before you head off into the weekend to kick some Poké-butt.
In today’s Gaming Daily, Sony could be working on a PlayStation 4K, pre-orders for the PlayStation VR bundle open up next week, Nerdist News discusses the possibility of a PSN/Xbox Live mashup, Paragon early access opens today, and of course, a Pokkén Tournament review roundup.
Sony may be working on a PlayStation 4K
This far into a console cycle is when we typically start hearing about redesigns—changes made to make said machine cheaper. Rumors are starting to surface, however, that Sony is taking a whole new route by working on a new PS4 that’s much more powerful. According to Kotaku’s sources, the Japanese company might be making a PlayStation 4.5 (a.k.a. PlayStation 4K). the new rig will reportedly include an improved GPU that could help the console output games in 4K and even enhance PlayStation VR games. We reached out to Sony, but they declined to comment. It would honestly make a whole lot of sense to incrementally upgrade these machines, so don’t be surprised if this is indeed true.
HT: Nerdist
PlayStation VR launch bundle pre-orders will go live next week
Sony has announced that the PlayStation VR launch bundle pre-orders will open on Tuesday, March 22. The bundle will include everything needed to get the full PS VR experience, and it will set you back $499.99. The core PS VR bundle that Sony previously announced at the $399.99 price point will not be available for pre-order. No other information was divulged about the core bundle, which admittedly is strange since most people praised the company for selling their headset at an affordable price.
Anyway, the launch bundle does net you some savings if you don’t have all the items required. Here’s what will be included:
- All contents of the PS VR core bundle:
- PS VR headset
- PS VR cables
- Stereo Headphones
- PlayStation VR Demo Disc
- PlayStation Camera
- 2 PlayStation Move motion controllers
- PlayStation VR Worlds (disc)
It’s not a bad deal at all, but some of us already own the PS camera and Move controllers. So this package isn’t worth the asking price. If the UK is any indication though, you’re definitely going to want to pre-order one of these bad boys before they are no longer available.
HT: PlayStation Blog
Nerdist News: Will Xbox and PlayStation gamers ever get to play online together?
Could there be a world where both Xbox gamers and PlayStation players could join forces online? Could two opposing networks one day share one virtual battlefield? It may be more likely than you think. On today’s Nerdist News, our very own Jessica Chobot discusses Microsoft’s cross-platform feature. The new feature will allow Xbox One players to play online with Windows 10 mouse and keyboard warriors, but the company also sneaked in a comment that this will allow other networks to connect with Xbox Live, not just PCs. Sony responded by saying the company would be open to discuss the idea, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Let’s make it happen, folks!
HT: Nerdist
Paragon early access opens today
Early access for Epic Games’ PS4/PC MOBA Paragon is now open to all those who purchased the founders pack. There’s still going to be free access to the game during this summer for everybody, but the developer is rewarding those who support them first with an early look at the game. As such, don’t expect a final product, but it’s already looking and running rather slick. Also, more free-to-play heroes are on the way, including Sevarog, Iggy, and Scorch. Peep the beginner’s guide above.
For those who don’t know much about this game, it’s a third-person MOBA. Usually, this genre of games take the over-head perspective, with a few exceptions including Epic’s latest. I’m not much of a MOBA player myself, but I’ve had a lot of fun the few times I’ve played. The cheapest founders pack will set you back $19.99, but you can invest up to $99.99 if you want to get a longer duration of experience boost and other rewards.
HT: PlayStation Blog
Pokkén Tournament review roundup
The highly anticipated Pokémon fighter, Pokkén Tournament is finally available to the masses and the reviews are in! Unfortunately, it hasn’t been getting the most rave reviews, already becoming one of the most divisive titles this year. Either way, we thought we could show you how the internet feels about the game, just in case you’re still deciding whether it’s a worthy addition to your Wii U collection.
- USgamer: 3/5
- GamesRadar: 3/5
- Shacknews: 6/10
- GameInformer: 7/10
- EGM: 7/10
- Destructoid: 7./10
- GameSpot: 9/10
Many, including myself, have been craving a great Pokémon fighter, but it looks like we might have to wait a bit longer. I’m going to make a bold prediction (that actually isn’t that bold): this game is going to sell well despite the less than stellar reviews. I know, who would ever predict that a Pokémon game could sell well? If that is indeed the case, then there’s a chance that a sequel will eventually come, which makes this a good start. Personally, I’m too much of a pocket monster fan not to be playing this in the next few days.
That’s it for this week, fellow nerds. Make sure to take breaks between Pokkén battles by playing some Mutant Mudds Super Challenge. Yeah, that’s what I’ll be doing over this short break. Next week we’ll be at WonderCon, so be on the lookout for some awesome coverage of the event. And if you’re in town for that, come say hello at our booth and panels!
What games will you guys be playing this weekend? Are you excited about the possibility of a PS4.5? Let us know in the comments below!
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Image: Sony, Nintendo
